Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time that it was built in.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include sash cord upvc doors repairs, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills for better air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and older work.

To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern homeowners. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative feature of a building and it is important to keep it looking good. As soon as you notice any decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood as the one that is being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on the smallest of details. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that are in need of upvc door repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to the architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this can result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. 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 also important to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window mechnism repair manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

emergency upvc door repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has become rotten the best way to proceed is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within a single day. However, it is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.