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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important element of the historical fabric of a structure. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates. If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be made in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were designed to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills for improved air sealing. One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay. Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in 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 made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent the movement of new and older work. To alleviate this issue There are a number of companies who make Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time in which they date. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is especially true for early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, which were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is vital that any decay resulting from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is identified. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as that which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new section and existing timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form. Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they show a range in technical development and changes to the architectural style. Many people believe 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 they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay problems that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and timely repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious 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 type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay. A good paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this may cause the growth of mildew 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 an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture. Maintenance Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of wood decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance. If a portion of wood is rotting, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is crucial that the person who installs windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the character of the original building. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.