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Maintaining Timber WindowsA well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects in different degree the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.Whenever possible repairs to windows that are already in use should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window.DurabilityTimber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills to improve air seal.One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by 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 penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To avoid this windows, they should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.Corroded areas should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay.Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and existing work.There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of your home.AestheticsMany old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, design, and taste from the time period they were built. They could also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against intrusions.It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is crucial that any decay that results from moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage.Wet rot is a common problem in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of wood as the one that is being removed, to avoid differential movement.Glass became more affordable and abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs', rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of lead lights.Energy efficiencyTraditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and care for detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. Windows can be designed to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.A good quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and mould growth. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame.The majority of older windows were made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are put to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture.MaintenanceRegular inspection, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The most common cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.Repairs to sash windows that are old and casement window frames should be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. upvc window renovation of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.When a piece of wood has become rotten the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement in one day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.