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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It reflects, in various levels, the materials and techniques of the time period it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste. If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window. Durability Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work. There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any decay caused by water penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact kind of timber as the one that is being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it can allow for much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. As a result, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is logical particularly when thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay. A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative. It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. If a piece of wood has rotted the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. cambridge double glazing will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the building originally. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.