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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It reflects in varying degree the materials and techniques of the time in which it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship. If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for improved air sealing. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In glaziers cambridge can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. 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 a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work. There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing 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 improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural taste from the time period they were made. They could have significant historical value on their own. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter intruders. Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and is essential to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new and old timbers. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and care for the smallest of details. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to the architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues associated with traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is possible. 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 stick better. It is essential to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance. If a piece of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides an “all-in-one” installation service that can handle removal and replacement within a day. It is, however, vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of an historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the the original building. This is particularly relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.