Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it dates.

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old double glazing seal repairs units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To avoid this, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes created into the frame to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid differential movement between new and existing work.

There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay that results from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is recognised. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem in old timber windows and the best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten sections immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood as the one that is being removed, to avoid differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it also allows more expansive 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 have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. Windows can be designed to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

So, retaining old windows that require repair rather than replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple upvc repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this may cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The most common cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and aluminium Casement windows cambridge window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

Where a section of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

replacement windows cambridge of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should 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 alternative. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.