Cambridge Window Tips That Will Change Your Life

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant element of the historical fabric of a structure. It reflects in varying degrees, the materials and techniques of the time it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be carried out in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these circumstances water may get through the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also important to limit the number of holes you drill into the frame for cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay.

The structural movement of the wall can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. Often this can be corrected through the installation of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the existing and new work.

To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the frame that were subdivided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into iron or wood bars to deter invaders.

cambridge windows  is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to water penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval period 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 cills projecting into the air. The glazing was increasingly set within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is essential to keep in mind that any such measures should be evaluated in the context of the overall integrity and appearance of the original window.

It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. The windows of the past often have a historical value that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural style. Most people think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to recognize damp issues and fix them quickly in order to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.

A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, and this can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is crucial to select the appropriate type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures.

Maintenance

The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably through regular inspections, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The most common reason for decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with careful painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed, and carried out with the minimum disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever 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. It is essential to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

When a piece of wood is rotten, the best option is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an  all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that are suited to original building's character. This is particularly relevant when windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.