A Look At The Good And Bad About Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period that it was built in.

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

Durability

Timber windows were made to last hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty underneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Corroded areas should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural taste from the time period they were made. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, which were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intrusions.

window replacement cambridge Repair My Windows And Doors  can be a stunning feature of a building and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, get rid of any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible it is the same species as which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new and old timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses 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 secured with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to remember that such measures should be viewed in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be preventable by timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic since they are typically designed to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew inside 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 protected with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the location and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The most common reason for the 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.

Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical value.

Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. However, it is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter 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 to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.