Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.

If repairs are possible to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true in the case of sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes made in the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work.

To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who make Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They could also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

Traditional timber plastic window repair joinery can be a stunning feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, remove any rotten or damaged parts as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of wood that is being removed, to prevent the possibility of differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the Double Glazed Door Repairs openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden windows and doors cambridge tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by timely and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window seal repairs manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The most common cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden upvc window renovation designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

When a section of wood is rotting, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a building that is historic. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.