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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the period from which it dates. When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window. Durability Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This may mean replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or putting up new cills that allow for better air sealing. A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes made into the frame to allow cable entry, because they could let in moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and broken glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to prevent the movement of new and older work. There are several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash to fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and better thermal insulation these sashes can make a significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value since they usually illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the period from when they were built. They may have significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings which were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to deter invaders. Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful feature of a building and it is important to keep its appearance. upvc window lock repair is essential that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is discovered. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot can spread quickly in old timber windows. To stop this from happening, remove any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and when possible, the exact type of wood that is being removed to prevent any differential movement. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery moulded mullions, moulded mullions, and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it can allow for 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 The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as care for detail. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. It is crucial to keep in mind that these measures need to be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them will last for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance. It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be preventable by quick and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. The early deterioration of paint can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, which can cause wet rot. The damage is usually not evident until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A good quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also important to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected by a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit the architectural style of historic structures. Maintenance Regular inspections, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The major cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames should be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose 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 avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out. When a piece of wood 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 the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer offers an installation that includes removal and replacement within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the character of the building originally. This is especially true when windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.