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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects, in various degree the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be carried out in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window and door repair near me rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem There are several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time from which they date. They may have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical issue in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of timber as the one that is being removed, to avoid any differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the original window.

So, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, and this can cause the growth of mildew in the window frame.

Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather, but can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local Window Security Film manufacturers provide a wide range of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and done with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever 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 adhere better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

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 timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that handles removal and replacement within one 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 allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially relevant when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.