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7 Things You Didn't Know About Cambridge Window
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an important part of a historic building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time in which it was constructed, the design and craftsmanship.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows are required, they should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of wood in many historic buildings were made to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase energy efficiency is also growing. repairmywindowsanddoors may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or putting in new cills to allow for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially true when sash windows are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this, windows should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas should be repaired with a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is important to minimize the number of holes that are drilled into the frame in order to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening, and damaged glazing. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood like oak, to avoid the movement of new and older work.


There are now several companies that manufacture Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of the modern homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time from when they were built. They also may have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is especially true for early unglazed window openings in timber framed buildings which were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to deter intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you see any decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there has been damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints that are designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that 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 less expensive and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but also allows for much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to remember that such measures must be considered in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot considered to be of historical value because they show a range in technical development and changes to architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 or even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues that are caused by traditional windows made of timber can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork is damaged or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, and this may cause the growth of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is essential to select the right type of wood for your location and the climate, since these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historical buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows and window frames made of casement should be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this option should be followed whenever possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance If these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

If a piece of timber 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 fit the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both removal and replacement within a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that will not harm the historical character of a 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 in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can put in PVC-u windows that are suited to the original building's style. This is particularly true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.