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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a structure. It reflects, in various levels, the technology and materials of the time it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste. If it is possible, repairs must be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal. The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to limit the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit water and lead to 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 or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the old and new work. There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intruders. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows. The best way to stop it growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of wood as the one being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancements and changes to architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay. A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, and this may lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with the historic architecture. Maintenance Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed without causing any disturbance. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value. If a piece of wood has rotted, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. doors and windows cambridge that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. However, it is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.