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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in different levels, the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship. If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal. One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent window repairs near me Repair My Windows And Doors from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could let in water and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and old work. There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out intruders. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is identified. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, take out any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible, the same species as that which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay. A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The major cause of decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows should be done with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface, allowing for a better adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out. When a section of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the historical character of a building. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.