8 Tips To Up Your Cambridge Window Game

Maintaining Timber Windows

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

When possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic structures were designed to last for a long time. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading windows made of timber to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may mean replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills that allow for improved air sealing.

The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important where windows with sash are involved since the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

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

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, and even broken glass. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new work.

To reduce the risk to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who make Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. The sash is available in various sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They could also have significant historical value in their individual cases. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were merely a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out invaders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a stunning feature of a building and it is important to keep it looking good. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to water penetration it is crucial to stop it. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended 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 responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing 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 the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible otherwise without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on detail.  aluminium french doors cambridge , the deep projecting cills and large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures must be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

Therefore, keeping existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is sensible especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are associated with traditional timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good 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 pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew to develop in the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed and done with the minimum disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this method should be followed whenever feasible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed with care and lightly sanded to improve the  key of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that could have historical value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a portion of wood is decayed the best option is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement in one day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't harm the character of a building that is historic. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is especially true when the windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.