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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an important element of a building that is historic. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time that it was built in. If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window. Durability The timber windows in many historical buildings were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills that allow for improved air sealing. The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay. The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, to avoid shifting between the new and older work. To alleviate this issue to reduce the risk of this happening, there are several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed 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 older timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new and old timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be possible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to remember that these measures must be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows. So, retaining existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows typically have an historic value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. replacement windows and doors cambridge can be prevented by thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative. It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be followed whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the key of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical significance. If a portion of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an “all-in-one” installation service that can handle removal and replacement in a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the building originally. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.