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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time that it was built in.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be done in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window maintenance.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may include replacing old double glazing repairs near me units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these instances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the requirements of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They may have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings which were merely a series of openings in the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is crucial to maintain its appearance. It is vital that any decay that results from moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is identified. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed 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 typical problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting wood must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and pinned in by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

Therefore, keeping old windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. The windows of the past often have a historical value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to recognize damp issues and correct 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. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often designed to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew in the window doctor frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be preserved with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce various types 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 that can be adapted to historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The main reason for the decay is moisture intrusion 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 sash windows that are old and Bay window repair frames made of casement must be done with care and minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a piece of wood has rotted, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if 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 thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't alter the appearance of an historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the original building. This is particularly applicable when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.