barcork98

Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it dates. If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of wood in many old buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint. In upvc door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and broken glass. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent differential movement between new and older work. There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the requirements of the modern homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They may have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intruders. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is essential that any decay resulting from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows and the best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the openings for glazed windows 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 windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be feasible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form. As a result, retaining old windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is essential to understand that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by regular maintenance and swift repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a range of sash made of timber that can be tailored to fit specific openings from the past. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings. Maintenance The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The primary reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative. It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the “key” of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. When a section of wood has rotted the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is essential 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 energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the character of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like 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 are suited to the original character of the building. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.