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It's Time To Expand Your Cambridge Window Options
Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is a significant part of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it dates.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be made in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay is possible by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills for improved air sealing.

A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important where windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between the sashes can be extremely large. In these instances water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also important to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could admit water and lead to decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the old and new work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern sash made of wood that can be fitted into most openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes to fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, as they show, in some form, the quality of the wood, technology, and architectural style of the time they were made. They may have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority of them were series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is crucial to maintain its appearance. It is crucial that any decay resulting from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is identified. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially if there has been damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical issue in older timber windows. The best method to stop it from growing is to eliminate sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been possible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures must be considered when it comes to the overall integrity and appearance of the original windows.


It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to the architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are generally based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but they are capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is essential to understand that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and prompt repairs. Additionally it is vital to identify damp penetration problems and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, leading to wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes curly. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation 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 to grow within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of timber used is well-suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash timbers that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom dimensions that are compatible with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections as well as careful redecoration and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as casement window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. wooden windows and doors cambridge will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which may have historic value, and where these are present, it is recommended that a study of the paint be conducted.

When a section of wood is rotting, the best solution is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using 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, especially when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes removal and replacement within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect the appearance of an historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are deemed acceptable by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u windows that conform to the original building's style. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings and conservation areas.