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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates. If repairs are possible to existing windows should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows were designed to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal. One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and existing work. To help reduce this problem, there are now a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are combined 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 demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They could also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series 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 window joinery can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is essential to keep it looking good. When you spot any decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed 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. Wet rot is a common issue in old timber windows and the best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as that which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible without the use of lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form. So, retaining old windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop within the window frame. The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical structures. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. window replacement cambridge can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical value. Where a section of timber is rotten, the best option is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that won't harm the historic character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.