Cambridge Window Tips From The Best In The Industry

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time that it was built in.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be made in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes made in the frame to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and old work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They may also have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true for early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings where the great majority were simply a series of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning element of a structure and is crucial to maintain its appearance. It is crucial that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

In  window repairs cambridge  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 buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but it also allows more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because 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, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is important to recognise that the decay problems associated with traditional windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.

A good paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best option 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 using wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within one day. It is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is particularly relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.