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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a structure. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it originates. If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills the air to seal better. The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can often be very large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some form, the materials technology, design, and taste from the time period they were constructed. They may also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, which were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to deter intrusions. Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is crucial to keep it looking good. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it can allow for larger 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 are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is important to keep in mind that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is important to recognise that the decay problems that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame. The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is crucial to select the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative. It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed, and carried out without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this method should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the “key” of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value. When a section of wood is decayed the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. glass repair cambridge www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a “one-stop shop” installation that handles removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance 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 the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.