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Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window made of timber is an important part of the historic fabric of a building. It reflects, in various degrees, the materials and techniques of the time period it was constructed, as well as the design and craftsmanship.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to fix the most damaged areas of decay without having to remove the entire window.

Durability

Timber windows were made to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also a rising demand for upgrading timber windows to increase energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or putting in new cills to allow for better air sealing.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint that is suitable.

In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes created in the frame to allow cable entry since they can let in moisture and cause decay.

Another major issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames made of slow-grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and older work.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash come in a variety of sizes and finishes to fit the needs of modern homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make an enormous difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value as they often illustrate, in some way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time in which they date. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk could have significant historical value on their own. This is particularly true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings within the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and vertical iron or wood bars to deter intrusions.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you notice any signs of decay due to the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there is damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish), and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem in older timber windows. The best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out 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, wherever possible 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. In the process, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions and traceries, made of wood and cills that protruded deep. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak, but also allows for wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very careful attention to detailing. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas minimize air infiltration. The windows can be modified to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window.

Therefore, keeping the existing windows from the past that require repair instead of replacing them makes sense particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they show a range in technological advancement and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and to remedy them quickly 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. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can result in the formation of mildew in the window frame.


The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be protected with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the climate and site conditions, since these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historic structures.

Maintenance

The life of timber windows can be extended through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The main cause of decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows as well as frameless casement windows should be done with care and minimal disruption. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed with care and sanded lightly to increase the key of the surface, allowing for an improved adhesion of the new coating. 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 conducted.

If a portion of wood has rotted, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the connection between the timber cill and masonry sub-cill should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation service that can handle removal and replacement within a day. However, it is essential that the person installing replacement windows has a complete understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that will not harm the character of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved under 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 located within conservation areas or listed buildings.