georgeliquor9

Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important element of the historic fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time from which it dates. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows were made to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing. One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To avoid this, windows should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with resin-based products. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work. To alleviate this issue, there are now a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time from which they originate. They may also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intrusions. Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. 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 recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To stop this from happening, take out any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of timber that is being removed, to avoid differential movement. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. So, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained. It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent mould and condensation. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often made to be water-resistant and this may result in the formation of mildew in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the location and climate, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance. Where a section of timber is rotten, the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.