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Maintaining Timber WindowsA well-maintained window made of timber is a significant part of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period that it was built in.If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.DurabilityTimber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or putting in new cills for improved air sealing.The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the existing and new work.There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.AestheticsMany old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and style of the time they were made. They may have significant historical value on their own. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber framed buildings 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 invaders.Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is essential to keep it looking good. It is crucial that any decay that results from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is best to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.Wet rot is a common issue in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible using the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with ‘glazing sprigs’, rather than being inserted into lead cames. window doctor cambridge of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.Energy efficiencyThe traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.So, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay.A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop within the window frame.The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.MaintenanceThe lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical significance.If a portion of wood is decayed the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a “one-stop shop” installation service that can handle removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the historical character of a building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.