15 Startling Facts About Cambridge Window You've Never Heard Of
Maintaining Timber Windows
A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It reflects, in various degrees, the materials and technologies of the time in which it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste.
When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the worst areas of decay without removing the whole window.
Durability
Timber windows were designed to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure that they look good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This could mean replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting in new cills that allow the air to seal better.
A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty as well as the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the decay. To prevent this, windows should be painted regularly with a suitable exterior wood paint.
In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also important to reduce the number of holes drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.
The structural movement of the wall can cause distortions in the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, and even broken glass. Often this can be corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed of a strong hardwood such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and older work.
To reduce the risk There are a variety of companies that make 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. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
Aesthetics
Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They could also have significant historical value in their in their own right. This is particularly true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, where the majority of them were series of openings within structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical iron or wood bars to keep out intruders.
It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is essential that any decay resulting from the penetration of moisture should be removed as soon as it is recognised. It is best to do this by thorough painting, particularly if there is damage or degradation. It is best to use paints designed to be used in a system (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number coats at each stage.
Wet rot is a typical problem in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be carefully undertaken using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever feasible, the same species as which is being removed to avoid shifting between the new and old timbers.
In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projecting cills. The glazing was increasingly laid within rebated frames and pinned in with 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less susceptible to leaks, but it also allows more expansive and clearer sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.
Energy efficiency
Traditional timber windows provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The large glass areas, the deep projection cills and wide glazing areas minimize air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is essential to remember that such measures must be considered in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form.
As a result, retaining existing historic windows that are in need of repair instead of replacing them is sensible particularly when thermal enhancements can be achieved cost-effectively through simple repairs and upgrades. The windows of the past often have a historical value that shows a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural tastes. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most 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, repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is essential to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a particular problem, as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This damage is often not evident until the paintwork becomes wavy or cracked however, it can cause serious structural damage and lead to further decay.
A good paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To prevent mould and condensation it is essential to keep the paintwork as clean as possible. 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 made from timber that contained the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also crucial to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce a range of sash made of timber that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historical buildings.
Maintenance
Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and quick repairs can prolong the lifespan of windows made of timber. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with thorough painting and the use of a good quality wood preservative.
It is important that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly and done without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This should be done as often as is feasible. 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. Be careful to avoid stripping old paint layers that may have historic value, and where these are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.
If a piece of wood is decayed, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts designed to match the 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 using PVC-u can be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technical upgrades that will not harm the historic character of a building. Window replacements should 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 the original building's style. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.