This Is The Complete Guide To Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects in different degree the materials and technologies of the time period it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded should be repaired with an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to avoid shifting between the new and old work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a number of companies who produce Boston pattern wooden sash that can be fitted into most openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes to suit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can make a significant difference to the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They also may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out intruders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful element of a structure and it is important to keep it looking good. When you spot any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any rotten or damaged parts as promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of timber as the one being removed to prevent differential movement.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and care for particulars. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they can still provide service for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with quick and thorough repairs. It is also essential to recognize damp issues and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem since they are typically made to be water-resistant which can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these elements can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be tailored to fit specific openings from the past. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly, and carried out without causing any disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better.  doors and windows cambridge RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

Where a section of timber is rotten, the best way to proceed is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement in one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't harm the character of an historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original character of the building. This is particularly true when the windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.