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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historical structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates. When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many old buildings were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when it comes to sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are made into the frame in order to allow cable access, because they could let in moisture and cause decay. Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, to prevent the movement of new and existing work. To alleviate this issue, there are now a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They could have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars to protect against intrusions. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed 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. The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and the existing timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. The glazing was increasingly placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be used than would have been possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form. As a result, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but they are in a position to last for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. Additionally, it is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay. A paint of good quality will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. tilt windows cambridge is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are properly executed and done with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is possible. 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. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out. When a section of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an “all-in-one” installation that handles removal and replacement in a day. It is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the the original building. This is especially relevant when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.