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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It reflects in different levels, the materials and technologies of the time in which it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship. If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows in order to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal. One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be very large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint. Areas that have been damaged must be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame as well as sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. Most often, this is corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They could also have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to protect against intruders. Repair My Windows And Doors is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. Wet rot is a frequent problem in old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent years, glazing was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A good paint will block moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often made to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew inside the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. It is crucial that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and completed with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance. 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 inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is, however, crucial that the person who installs windows replacement has a thorough understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the original building. This is especially true when the windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.