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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is an important element of the historical fabric of a structure. It reflects in different levels, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was made, the design and craftsmanship. If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were designed to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to limit the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay. The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame as well as sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the new and existing work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the period from which they date. window lock repairs Repair My Windows And Doors may also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you notice any decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the number of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a frequent problem in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood that is being removed, to avoid differential movement. Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into 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 larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the original window. It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork becomes damaged or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and can lead to further decay. A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, which can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the historic architecture. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to old sash windows and window frames made of casement should be handled with care and minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the “key” of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which could have historical value, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out. When a section of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technological upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.