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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important part of the historic fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it dates. If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs and retightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow for improved air sealing. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be very large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint. In window seal replacement near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are made in 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 that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work. There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they date. They could have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to keep out invaders. Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is essential that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is discovered. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same kind of timber as the one that is being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement. Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows typically have a historical value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, but most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay. A good paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed, and carried out with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. If a piece of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an “all-in-one” installation that takes care of removal and replacement within one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.