It's The Complete List Of Cambridge Window Dos And Don'ts

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it dates.

When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop  glass repair cambridge  from happening, windows should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are made into the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural style of the time they were constructed. They may have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to deter invaders.

Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful aspect of a building, and it is important to keep it looking good. As soon as you notice any decay caused by the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent the possibility of differential movement.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Historic windows are often considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are preventable by timely and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly, and carried out with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

When a piece of wood has begun to decay, the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an  installation that includes both removal and replacement in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly true when the windows are located within conservation areas or listed buildings.