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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained Wooden Windows And Doors Cambridge - Www.Team119.Co.Kr - window is an essential element of a building that is historic. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it dates.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole plastic window repair.

Durability

The timber windows in many historic buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this windows, they should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are made into the frame to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the requirements of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and taste from the time period they were made. They may have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a stunning feature of a building and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is recognised. It is best to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if 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 cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

Therefore, keeping old windows that require repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancements and changes to architectural style. Most people think that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent mould and condensation. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, which can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that are in keeping with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended significantly by regular inspection, careful redecoration and timely repair. The main cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

When a section of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.