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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historical fabric of a building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it dates. When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window. Durability The windows made of wood in many historical structures were designed to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these situations water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable. In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work. There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home. aluminium casement windows cambridge have a high aesthetic appeal because they show, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They may have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, which were merely a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter invaders. Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay that results from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. Wet rot is a typical issue in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows. Therefore, keeping old windows that require repair rather than replacing them is logical particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame. The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the climate and site 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 produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The primary reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement must be done with care and minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface, allowing for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical value. If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver and the connection between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the original building. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.