A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It reflects in different degrees, the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship.
If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.Durability
The windows made of wood in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills the air to seal better.
One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.
In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also essential to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.
Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken double glazing repairs. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work.
There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, Upvc locksmith cambridge could significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they date. They could also have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.
Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful element of a structure and is essential to keep its appearance. It is essential that any decay resulting from water penetration is removed as soon as it is recognised. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.
Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of timber as the one being removed, to avoid any differential movement.
In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden windows and doors cambridge tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. The cambridge double glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs', window frame repair rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.
It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.
It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.
A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame.
The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historical buildings.
Maintenance
The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.
It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed and done with the minimum disturbance. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is 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. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value If these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.
When a piece of wood is rotten, the best option is to remove the rotted 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 junction between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.
Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement in one 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 appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.