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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is an important part of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period that it was built in. When repairs are feasible to windows that are already in use should be made in situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the entire window. Durability Timber windows were built to last for centuries. However, they need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning correctly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The need to upgrade windows made of timber to increase energy efficiency is also growing. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills that allow for better air sealing. The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned as the gaps between sashes can often be extremely large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse by poor weather conditions. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric retained. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work. There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the requirements of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better 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 high aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time from which they originate. They also may have a significant historical significance in their in their own right. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is essential that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is identified. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding preparation and number of coats required at each stage. Wet rot is a common problem for old timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate any damaged or rotten parts immediately to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible, the same species as which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep protruding cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their focus on the smallest of details. The large glass areas, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to keep in mind that these measures must be considered in the context of the overall quality and appearance of the original window. So, retaining existing historic windows that require repair instead of replacing them is logical especially when their thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and improvements. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural style. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay issues caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and address them promptly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early is a concern because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This damage is often not apparent until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked however, it can cause serious structural damage and can lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork in good condition to avoid condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints are problematic since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop in the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are used. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be constructed according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom dimensions that are compatible with the historic architecture. Maintenance The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended considerably by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. wooden windows cambridge can be avoided with careful painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative. It is important that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are well executed, and carried out without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. It is important to not remove old paint layers, as they could have historical significance. If a piece of timber is rotten, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated using wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historic character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.