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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time from which it originates. When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop window maintenance Repair My Windows And Doors from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry, as they could let in water and cause decay. Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work. To help reduce this problem There are a number of companies who produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of modern homeowners. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from which they date. They could have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intruders. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. This can be done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this, remove any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows have excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original window. As a result, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal improvements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and timely repairs. Additionally, it is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to 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 becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew growth within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also crucial 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 make a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The most common reason for decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to old sash windows and window frames made of casement must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers an “all-in-one” installation that handles removal and replacement within one day. However, it is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original character of the building. This is especially true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.