Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historical structure of a building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates.

If it is possible, repairs must be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be accomplished with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating correctly. 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 mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills for better air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. Weather conditions that are not ideal can accelerate the rotting. To stop this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is also essential to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could let in water and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be corrected often by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made of a strong hardwood like oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and existing work.

There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they date. They may also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out intrusions.

Traditional timber window Seal repairs (aluminium casement windows cambridge window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. 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 paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

Where a section of timber is rotten, the best option is to remove the rotted 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 with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional cambridge windows and doors with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing cambridge replacement windows windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows must be registered under 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 quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the the original building. This is particularly true when the windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.