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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It reflects in different degrees, the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship. If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window. Durability Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills to allow for improved air sealing. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also important to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is structural movement in 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, or breaking glass. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work. To alleviate this issue 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 a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. The new sash, coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from which they date. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to protect against intruders. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. Wet rot is a typical issue in older 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 that causes it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible, the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new and old timbers. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it can allow for much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and care for the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form. As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they demonstrate a variety in technological advancements and changes to architectural taste. Most people assume that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, double glazing repairs cambridge of them are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A good paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and can cause mildew to grow in the window frame. The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical structures. Maintenance Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The primary cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. When a section of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal 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 appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a 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 approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the original building. This is especially true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.