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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in different levels, the technology and materials of the time it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without removing the whole window. Durability Timber windows were made to last for centuries. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place or putting in new cills the air to seal better. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be very wide. In these situations, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint that is suitable. The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and even broken glass. Most often, this is corrected by fitting new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made of a durable hardwood, like oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work. To reduce the risk There are several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home. Aesthetics Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, since they reflect, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural style of the time they were made. They could have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to protect against intrusions. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you notice any decay caused by water penetration, it is important to stop it. It is best to do this through thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or deterioration. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as promptly as you are able to. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact kind of timber as the one being removed to prevent differential movement. Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. As a result, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and secured with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is essential to remember that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows. Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense, particularly when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Older windows are usually of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technical development and changes to architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay problems that are typical of windows made of timber can be avoided through regular maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected by a thorough preservative treatment before they are used. It is important to choose the appropriate type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array 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 that can be adapted to historic structures. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and timely repair. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk for the decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative. It is crucial that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to repair many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the 'key' of the surface and facilitate an easier adhesion of the new coating. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out. If a portion of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows are aware 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 affect the appearance of a building that is historic. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is especially true when the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.