Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.
When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be done in situ. Proprietary resin-based
Upvc door repair cost systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.
Durability
Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating correctly. The most common maintenance tasks are
upvc repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing
window doctor near me rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.
The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.
Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes created into the frame in order to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.
The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and existing work.
There are now 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 suit the requirements of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.
Aesthetics
Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.
It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. When you spot any decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.
Wet rot is a frequent problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and should it be possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed, to prevent differential movement.
Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it also allows much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.
It makes sense to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.
It is crucial to understand that decay problems in traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.
A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically designed to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.
The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for the site and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.
Maintenance
Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick
emergency upvc door repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main reason for the decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.
When a piece of wood has begun to decay, the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.
It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that won't harm the historic character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements 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 match the the building originally. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.
