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Maintaining Timber WindowsA well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historical structure of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the period from which it dates.If possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window.DurabilityThe windows made of timber in many historic buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. window replacement cambridge include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be very wide. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. 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 maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are created into the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and existing work.To alleviate this issue, there are now several companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house.AestheticsMany old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from which they date. They could have significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to protect against invaders.It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is vital that any decay that results from water penetration is removed as soon as it is discovered. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and the existing timbers.In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projection cills. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and pinned in with ‘glazing sprigs’, rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights.Energy efficiencyThe traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on the smallest of details. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.It is essential to understand that the decay problems caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. Additionally it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay.A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth in the window frame.The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and climate, as these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical structures.MaintenanceRegular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by thorough painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair several traditional designs of timber windows without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and facilitate an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation that takes care of removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction 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 historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the building originally. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.