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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial part of the historic structure of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time from which it originates. If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability The timber windows in many old buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. The most common maintenance tasks are repairs to sash-cords as well as tightening sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing windows made of timber to improve efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can enter the paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to reduce the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can let in water and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed from durable hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work. To help reduce this problem to reduce the risk of this happening, there are a variety of companies that manufacture Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were built. They could also have a significant historic value in their individual cases. This is particularly true for early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intrusions. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. It is essential that any decay that results from water penetration is immediately stopped once it is identified. It is best to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or degradation. 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 of coats 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 promptly as you are able to. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine) and, should it be possible, the same type of wood that is being removed, to prevent differential movement. 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 and traceries, made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows wider sheets of clearer glass to be employed than would be possible without the use of leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to remember that such measures should be evaluated in relation to the overall integrity and appearance of the original window. It makes sense to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Historic windows often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advances and changes in architectural style. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 and even 250 years if properly maintained. It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and swift repairs. In addition, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A good paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can lead to the formation of mildew in the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with a high proportion of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before 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 made from timber that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and prompt repair. The most common reason for the decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by thorough painting and the use of high-quality wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames should be handled with care and with the least amount of disruption. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without removing the frame. This should be done whenever possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the “key” of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative. The junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation service that can handle removal and replacement in a 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 appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that won't harm the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is quite possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the building originally. This is particularly true when the windows are in conservation areas or listed buildings.