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Maintaining Timber WindowsA well-maintained wooden window is an essential part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates.If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.DurabilityTimber windows were made to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills the air to seal better.A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable.In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is important to minimize the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work.To alleviate this issue There are several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. window repair specialists are coupled with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a significant difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.AestheticsMany old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from which they originate. They could also have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is essential to maintain its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and number of coats needed at each stage.The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible it is the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent any movement differences between the new section and the existing timbers.Glass became cheaper 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 were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights.Energy efficiencyTraditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to remember that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance.It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues 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, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within 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 by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings.MaintenanceRegular inspections, careful redecoration, and timely repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a high-quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are well executed and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.If a piece of wood is decayed the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed.Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an attractive option, especially when the installer offers a "one-stop shop" installation that takes care of removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as 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 an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the style of the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.