It's The Complete List Of Cambridge Window Dos And Don'ts

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historic fabric of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many historical buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. The most common maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills that allow for better air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be quite wide. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To stop this from happening windows, they should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can 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 constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and older work.

To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from which they date. They may have significant historical significance on their own. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning element of a structure and is essential to maintain its appearance. When you spot any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration.  linked web page  can be made to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic buildings.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and done with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Paint that is peeling or loose must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value.

When a section of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement in a day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should 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 are suited to original building's character. This is especially relevant when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.