The Good And Bad About Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic structure of a building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it originates.

When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done with the help of specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

Timber windows were built to last for hundreds of years. But, they have to be maintained to ensure that they look good and functioning properly. The most frequent maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is also  tilt windows cambridge  rising demand to upgrade timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This could mean replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates or putting up new cills to allow for better air sealing.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when sash windows are concerned because the gaps between sashes can be extremely large. In these situations water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. Poor weather conditions can exacerbate the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows need to be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must also be repaired using resin-based products. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric remains. It is also necessary to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can cause deformations in the frame and the sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This is often corrected by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid any movement between the new and existing work.

There are now several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a range of sizes and finishes to meet the needs of today's homeowner. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the energy-efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They also may have significant historical value in their individual cases. 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 structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is recognised. This is best accomplished by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is recommended to choose paints that are intended 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 timber windows. To prevent this, take out any damaged or rotten components as quickly as you can. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid differential movement between the new section and the 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 buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and projection cills. Increasingly, the glazing was set within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak, but also allows for more clear glass sheets to be used than would have been feasible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness and multilayer construction, as well as their attention to detail. The large glass areas, deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical value, as they reflect 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 will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues associated in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with quick and thorough repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay.

A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. To prevent condensation and mould it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem since they are usually water-resistant and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, however they can be protected with 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 offer various types of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be constructed to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with the historic architecture.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly by regular inspection as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. The most common reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly.

Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames must be done with care and with the least amount of disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without dismantling the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Loose or peeling paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface, allowing for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers, as they may have historical significance.

When a section of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed.

It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an  all-in-one installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that do not alter the historical character of a building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. A skilled carpenter is able to install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to original building's character. This is especially true where windows are situated in listed buildings and conservation areas.