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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial part of a historic building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it dates. Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be made in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were built to last hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to allow for improved air sealing. One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important in the case of sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can be quite large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled in the frame to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay. The wall's structural movement could also cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any the movement of new and old work. To alleviate this issue, there are now a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use. Aesthetics Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were built. They may have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, in which the majority of them were series of openings within frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intruders. Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any decay caused by the penetration of moisture it is crucial to stop it. It is best to do this with thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a frequent problem in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood that is being removed, to avoid any differential movement. Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the original window. It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressure to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is crucial to recognize that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and timely repairs. Additionally it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and lead to further decay. A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. wooden casement windows in cambridge of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem since they are typically made to be water-resistant and this may lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of windows made of timber. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative. It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly, and carried out with minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is crucial to avoid removing old paint layers, which could have historical significance. If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the connection between the cill for timber and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within a day. It is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of a building that is historic. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that are sympathetic to the character of the building originally. This is especially applicable when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.