5 Cambridge Window Lessons From The Pros

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects, in various degrees, the technology and materials of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning correctly. 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 improve energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes drilled in the frame to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood, like oak, to avoid the movement of new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem There are several companies that 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. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they show, in some shape, the materials, technology, and architectural style of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a stunning aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. As soon as you notice any decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed 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.

Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows. The best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible using the same species as that which is being removed to prevent differential movement between the new and old timbers.

In the late medieval and 17th century periods glass became cheaper and more plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projecting cills. In the past, more often, the glass was laid 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 larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide an excellent energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in the architectural style. The pressure to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to realize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are preventable by quick and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not noticed until the paintwork is cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually designed 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 of sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also essential to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic structures.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is moisture penetration through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly, and carried out with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that could have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly if the installer offers an  installation that includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't harm the character of a building that is historic.  door fitting cambridge  should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed acceptable under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the original building. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.