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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects, in various degrees, the materials and technologies of the time it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window. Durability Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting up new cills that allow the air to seal better. 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 can often be quite large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes created into the frame in order to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent the movement of new and existing work. To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they show, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They could also have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders. Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the amount of coats needed at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot is able to 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. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers. Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. The glazing was increasingly set within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. The damage is usually not apparent until the paintwork is damaged or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and can lead to further decay. A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. 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 constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since 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 produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical structures. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative. It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out. When a piece of wood has become rotten the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed. mouse click the up coming document of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides an “all-in-one” installation that handles both removal and replacement within one day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.