Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber upvc window lock repair is an important element of the historic fabric of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates.

If it is possible, repairs to upvc doors must be made on-site. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were built to last for a long time. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing the window seal repairs near me rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important in the case of sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken cambridge double glazing; glamorouslengths.com,. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and old work.

To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who make Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They could also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning feature of a building and is crucial to keep 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 best to do this with 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, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood as the one that is being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep 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 remember that such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them is logical particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and 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 quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often designed to be water-resistant and this may cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely upvc repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Remove 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, as they could have historical significance.

Where a section of timber has become rotten the best way to proceed is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in one day. However, it is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially relevant when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.