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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period that it was built in. When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows 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 on sash, and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills for improved air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as underlying wood. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is retained. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay. Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall, which can cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be corrected often by fitting new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work. To alleviate this issue to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from when they were built. They could also have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed structures, where the majority were series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by water penetration is immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or deterioration. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (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 spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, remove any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of timber as the one that is being removed to prevent the possibility of differential movement. In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In recent years, glass was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and 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 essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form. As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows typically have an historic value that illustrates a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly so that you can avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay. A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To avoid condensation and mould, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may cause the growth of mildew inside the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also essential to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide various types of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by careful painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. double glazing cambridge will allow the new coating to stick better. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. When a section of wood has rotted, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that do not alter the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are deemed acceptable in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the building originally. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.