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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates. If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window. Durability The windows made of wood in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. The most common maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for improved air sealing. One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be quite wide. In window repairs cambridge , water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. 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. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could allow water in 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 not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and older work. To alleviate this issue There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they show, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural taste from the time period they were built. They could have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to deter intrusions. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you notice any decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this with thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem for older timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one being removed, to prevent the possibility of differential movement. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. Windows can be designed to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form. Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but they are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is important to recognize that decay issues in traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay. A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame. Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The primary reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value and if they are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative. The junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an “all-in-one” installation that handles removal and replacement within one 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 appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is particularly applicable when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.