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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is a crucial element of a building that is historic. It demonstrates in various degrees the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time from which it originates. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability The timber windows in many old buildings were made to last for a long time. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning properly. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal. The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be very large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable. The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes made in the frame to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work. There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash come in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern homeowners. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural taste of the period from which they date. They may have significant historical value as a set. This is particularly true of early unglazed window openings in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intrusions. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. When you spot any decay caused by water penetration it is essential to stop it. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are designed 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 that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten components as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible using the same species as which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new section and the existing timbers. Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. Increasingly, the glazing was placed within frames with rebates and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be utilized than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as focus on particulars. The large glass areas, deep projection cills and wide glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window. It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing historic windows rather than replace them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved through simple fixes. Older windows typically have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are typically based on the assumption that old windows will need replacement in the near future, however the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained. It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows can be preventable by timely and thorough repairs. It is also crucial to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until the paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and then further decay. A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers provide a wide range of timber sash which can be made to fit the historic openings. They are available in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical structures. Maintenance Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The primary reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. It is crucial that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and completed with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this method should be followed 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. Care should be taken to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value If 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 designed to match the existing profiles. turning lock cambridge that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially if the installer offers an installation that includes both removal and replacement in one day. However, it is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the building originally. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings or conservation areas.