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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It reflects, in various levels, the materials and techniques of the time it was made, the design and craftsmanship. If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window. Durability The timber windows in many historic buildings were made to last for a long time. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. The most common maintenance tasks are 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 can involve replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow for improved 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 very wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This can 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 made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid differential movement between new and existing work. To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the requirements of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, since they reflect, in some form, the materials technology, design, and taste from the time period they were constructed. They may also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against invaders. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and the number of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a common problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new section and the existing timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent years, glass was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. In double glazing cambridge , it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with 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, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide 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 suit historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement must be done with care and 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. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted. Where a section of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to original building's character. This is especially relevant when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.