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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. 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. Whenever possible repairs to windows that are already in use should be made in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window. Durability Timber windows were made to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills to allow for improved air sealing. One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these situations water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the old and new work. There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, design, and style of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you notice any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, especially where there has been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. So, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is important to recognize that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and address them promptly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay. A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of timber sash which can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with 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 infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement should be handled with care and with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken whenever feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to not remove old paint layers, which may have historical value. If a portion of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the connection between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially true when windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.