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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic structure of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it originates. When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of wood in many historic structures were designed to last for a long time. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal. The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint. Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are made into the frame in order to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. window repair Repair My Windows And Doors can lead to the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and older work. To alleviate this issue There are several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They may have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and it is important to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers. 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 protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for the smallest of details. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It is logical to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is crucial to understand that decay issues with traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay. A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic structures. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative. It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be taken whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose 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 essential to not remove old paint layers that may have historical significance. Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding 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 upgrades 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 that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.