The Good And Bad About Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a structure. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time that it was built in.

If repairs are possible to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without removing the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historical buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look great and working properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can 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 the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these instances water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

Corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also important to reduce the number of holes you drill into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame as well as sash. This can result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, to avoid the movement of new and older work.

To alleviate  aluminium front doors cambridge  to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a number of companies who manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that will fit most existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet the requirements of modern homeowners. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were constructed. They may also have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful element of a structure and is essential to keep its appearance. As soon as you see any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas where there has already been damage or degradation. It is best to use paints that are designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number coats at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old timber windows. To prevent this, get rid of any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, if feasible it is the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent years, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than 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 possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is crucial to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.

It is sensible to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvements in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows typically have a historical value that demonstrates a range of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but the majority of them are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are that are typical of timber windows can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also essential to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major issue, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork is wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a challenge since they are usually water-resistant, and can cause mildew growth within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather, however they can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for your location and climate, as these variables can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have various types of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be prevented by using a high-quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

Repairs to old sash windows and frameless casement windows must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be used whenever it is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the "key" of the surface and allow for a better adhesion of the new coating. Care should be taken to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value If these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a piece of wood has rotted the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated with a wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly if the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement in one day. It is, however, vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological improvements that don't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. Those who provide replacement windows should be registered with 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 fit the style of the original building. This is particularly true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.