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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important element of the historical fabric 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 originates. When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window. Durability The windows made of timber in many historic buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to ensure they look good. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to improve air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To avoid this, windows should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay. The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes that have been constructed from 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. To reduce the risk, there are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They may also have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings which were merely a series of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, if possible, the same type of timber as the one being removed to prevent any differential movement. Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be feasible without the use of lead lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. Repair My Windows And Doors can be designed to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to keep in mind that these measures need to be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows. As a result, retaining old windows that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows typically have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however most are still in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues that are caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and fix them quickly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. The damage is usually not noticed until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth in the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these elements affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical structures. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The primary cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. If a piece of timber is rotten, the best option is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation that handles both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the building originally. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.