chainbucket24

Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is an important element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the period that it was built in. If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay. Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to prevent differential movement between new and old work. There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out invaders. Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and it is important to keep its appearance. When you spot any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. 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 guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of timber as the one being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement. Glass became more affordable and abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency The 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 surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to keep in mind that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural taste. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to grow in the window frame. The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The most common reason for decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully 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 that may have historic value If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. When a piece of wood has become rotten the best way to proceed is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an 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 enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that will not harm the historic character of a building. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is especially applicable when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.