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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It illustrates in varying degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in. When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many old buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening pulleys on sash, and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint. Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also important to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could let in water and cause decay. Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall that can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and existing work. There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time in which they date. aluminium sliding doors cambridge could have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and it is important to keep its appearance. It is vital that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is recognised. This is best accomplished by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, if possible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers. In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In recent times, glass was fixed into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it also allows larger, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original window. It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have a historical value that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is crucial to understand that decay problems with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork is cracking or wavy, but can cause significant structural damage and lead to further decay. A quality paint will block moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork clean to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually designed to be water-resistant and this may result in the formation of mildew in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is essential to select the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and done with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling 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 essential to not remove old paint layers, which could have historical significance. If a piece of wood is rotting, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer provides an “all-in-one” installation service that can handle removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that do not alter the historical character of a 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 acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the character of the original building. This is particularly applicable when windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.