5 Cambridge Window Lessons Learned From The Professionals

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it originates.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be done in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many old structures were designed to last for a long time. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow the air to seal better.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable entry as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative element of a structure and it is important to maintain its appearance. It is vital that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is discovered. This is best accomplished by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended 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 amount of coats needed at each stage.

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

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber double glazed windows cambridge-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their care for the smallest of details. They also have large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that the 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 crucial to understand that decay problems in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are often water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow in the window repairs cambridge frame.

The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is essential to select the appropriate type of wood for your location and climate, as these variables can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The main cause of decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is essential that upvc window and door repairs doors repairs (pop over to this site) to old sash or casement windows are well executed and completed with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this option should be followed whenever feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance If these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

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

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those providing 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 under Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.