Cambridge Window Tips From The Best In The Business

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber upvc window renovation is an important part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be made in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last for centuries. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. The most common maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This could include replacing old double glazing repairs cambridge glazing repairs near me (glamorouslengths.com) units, fixing existing window seal repairs rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement could also cause distortions in the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can often be fixed through the installation of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better 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 high aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural taste from the time period they were built. They could also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intruders.

Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful element of a structure and is crucial to maintain its appearance. It is vital that any decay caused by water penetration is immediately stopped once it is recognised. It is best to do this with thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a frequent problem in old timber windows and the best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent any differential movement.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it can allow for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be 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 care for detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they show a range in technical development and changes to architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically formulated to be water-resistant, and this may result in the formation of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. 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 painting the wood thoroughly.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber upvc window repairs near me designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

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

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of an historic building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite 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 when the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.