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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant part of the historic fabric of a structure. It demonstrates in various degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it originates.

If possible, repairs should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic structures were designed to last for a long time. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or putting up new cills to allow for better air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be very large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting to the putty or wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the decay. To prevent this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

In glass repair cambridge www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using an adhesive-based repair product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work.

There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will meet the requirements of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time in when they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, which were simply a series of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to keep out intrusions.

It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is vital that any decay that results from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is discovered. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer undercoat, finish) and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To prevent this, take out any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became more affordable and abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep projecting cills. In recent times, glass was fixed to frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than 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 feasible without the use of lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency by draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to remember that such measures must be considered in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.

It makes sense to repair or upgrade existing windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Historic windows are often of historical significance, since they demonstrate a variety in technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Most people assume that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is essential to understand that the decay problems that are typical of timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and swift repairs. In addition it is vital to recognize damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Paint deterioration that occurs early can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. 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 in the window frame.

Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is crucial to select the right type of wood for the site and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a variety of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The most common cause of decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.


Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Repairs can be made to several traditional designs of timber windows without having to remove the frame. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers that could have historical significance.

If a piece of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the joint between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer offers an all-in-one installation that includes both removal and replacement in a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that match the the original building. This is especially true when the windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.