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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects in different degree the technology and materials of the time it was made, the design and craftsmanship. If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating correctly. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills that allow for better air sealing. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes created into the frame to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work. To alleviate this issue There are a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the period from which they date. They may also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out invaders. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay due to water penetration it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially if there is damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the number of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if possible, the same kind of timber as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era 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 cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glazing was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form. It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however they are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained. It is crucial to understand that decay problems in traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent mould and condensation. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often 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 a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. window replacement cambridge or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the “key” of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers that may have historical value. If a piece of timber is rotten, the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers an “all-in-one” installation that takes care of removal and replacement in a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of an historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.