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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historical structure of a building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, as well as the architectural style and craftsmanship. If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window. Durability Timber windows were made to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs and retightening pulleys for sash and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to increase the air seal. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be quite large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To avoid this windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable. Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure the maximum amount of original fabric preserved. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay. The structural movement of the wall could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to prevent shifting between the new and older work. There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and a better thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value since they usually show, in a particular way the materials and technologies and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They may have significant historical significance on their own. This is particularly true for early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were series of openings in frames of structural construction, which were divided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to keep out intruders. Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning feature of a building and is essential to maintain its appearance. It is essential that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is discovered. It is recommended to do this with thorough painting, especially where there has been 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 coats at each stage. aluminium front doors cambridge is a common problem in old timber windows and the best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. Replace the wood that is rotting with slow-growing deal (pine), and if possible, the same type of wood as the one being removed, to avoid the possibility of differential movement. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated, with tracery made of wood as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glazing was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaks but it also allows more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer a good energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very meticulous attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form. It is logical to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows typically have an historic value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they can still provide service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is important to recognise that the decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be prevented by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. Additionally, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid major damage. The early deterioration of paint is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not apparent until the paintwork becomes cracking or wavy however, it can cause serious structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often designed to be water-resistant which can cause the growth of mildew in the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of timber used is well-suited to the location and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have an array of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be built according 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 timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The main cause of decay is moisture penetration through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative. It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed, and carried out without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value. Where a section of timber has become rotten the best course of action is to eliminate the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative and the joint between the cill for timber and the masonry sub-cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an attractive option, especially when the installer offers an “all-in-one” installation that handles both removal and replacement within the span of a day. However, it is essential that the person installing windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that will not harm the historical character of a building. The windows that are replaced must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme like as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u windows that conform to original building's character. This is particularly applicable when windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.