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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It reflects, in various levels, the materials and techniques of the time period it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship. Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were made to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to increase the air seal. One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay. The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, such as oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in which they date. They may have significant historical value as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to keep out invaders. It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is crucial that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is discovered. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage. windows cambridge is a common problem in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if possible, the same kind of timber that is being removed, to avoid differential movement. Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows much wider clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as attention to particulars. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and look of the original windows. It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, however the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained. It is crucial to recognize that the decay problems that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the site and climate conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide an array of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be handled with care and minimal disruption. It is possible to repair many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. Peeling or loose paint must be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and allow for an improved adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that could have historical significance. When a section of wood has rotted the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation that takes care of removal and replacement within a day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that won't harm the historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the character of the building originally. This is particularly relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.