5 Cambridge Window-Related Lessons From The Professionals

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time in which it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

When 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

The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys on sash, and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills that allow for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, to prevent shifting between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and style of the time they were built. They may also have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, 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 intruders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and it is important to keep its appearance. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of wood as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement.

In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have a historical value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150, 200, or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be preventable by prompt and thorough repairs. It is also important to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is wavy or cracked however, it can cause serious structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window installation cambridge manufacturers provide an array of sash window repair cambridge made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The most common reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and aluminium casement windows cambridge replacement windows - find more info, window frames must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a portion of wood is rotting the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement within a day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with 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 and conservation areas.