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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical structure of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the period from which it dates. When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be done in situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window. Durability The timber windows in many historic buildings were made to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills for better air sealing. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the decay. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay. The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly, sticking or jamming in the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from which they date. They also may have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, which were merely a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. 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 coats at each stage. Wet rot is a common problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent 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 less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is essential to realize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, turning lock cambridge can cause structural damage and then further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically made to be water-resistant which can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather conditions, but they can be protected by an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is crucial to select the right kind of wood for the location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The most common reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are well executed and completed with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. If a portion of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that handles both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the character of a historic building. The windows that are replaced should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.
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