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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial component of a historical building. window supplier cambridge is a representation of the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time that it was built in. When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many old buildings were built to last for a long time. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air sealing. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay. Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work. To help reduce this problem, there are now a variety of companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better 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 because they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were made. 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 buildings, which were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter intrusions. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture it is essential to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and number of coats needed at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but it can allow for more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been 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 their attention to the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the original window. It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technical development and changes to the architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame. The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative. It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. Where a section of timber has become rotten the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is particularly true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.