The Not So Well-Known Benefits Of Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a crucial part of the historic fabric of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period that it was built in.

When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be very large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could let in water and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall which could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner.  RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , when combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings which were merely a series of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to deter intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning element of a structure and it is important to keep it looking good. When you spot any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on particulars. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to remember that such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

So, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows typically have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. The 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 type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

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

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using a good quality wood preservative.

It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed and completed with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed with care and sanded lightly to improve the  key of the surface and allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

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

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Window replacements should 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 an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the style of the original building. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.