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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It reflects in varying levels, the materials and techniques of the time it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship. If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were built to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills the air to seal better. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled in the frame to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and older work. There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the period from when they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is essential to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is recognised. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting timber should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on particulars. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is crucial to remember that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows typically have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay. A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within 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, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for the 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 made to fit the historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The main reason for the decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the 'key' of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which could have historical significance. When a section of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. ventilation repair cambridgeshire inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that handles removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough 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 technological advancements 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 like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially relevant when windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.