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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period that it was built in. When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills that allow the air to seal better. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To avoid this, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay. Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, to avoid the movement of new and old work. There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were constructed. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders. Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and it is important to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and number of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a typical problem for older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of wood as the one that is being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it can allow for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and focus on detail. They also have large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them makes sense especially when their thermal enhancements can be made cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. tilt windows cambridge RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of the past often have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is crucial to understand that decay issues in traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also important to spot damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, and this can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame. Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This should be done whenever possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance. When a piece of wood has begun to decay, the best course of action 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 wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that handles removal and replacement in the span of a day. However, it is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with 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 relevant when windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.