hopepoint2

Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It reflects in varying degree the materials and technologies of the time period it was constructed, as well as the craftsmanship and architectural taste. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be accomplished using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were made to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills to increase the air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be very large. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening, windows should be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint. The areas that are damaged should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also essential to minimise the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry as these can allow water in and cause decay. The wall's structural movement can also lead to deformations in the frame and sash. This can lead to sash no longer fitting correctly, sticking or jamming in the opening and cracked glazing. This is often corrected by putting in new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the new and existing work. There are several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and better thermal insulation these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a house. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal, since they display, in a certain shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intruders. Traditional window joinery made of timber is a beautiful feature of a building and is crucial to maintain its appearance. When you spot any decay caused by moisture penetration it is crucial to stop it. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas that have already suffered damage or degradation. It is best to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and number of coats at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To prevent this from happening, get rid of any damaged or rotten components as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent 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 cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaking but it also allows much wider, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights. double glazing repairs provide excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as careful attention to detailing. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the window in its original form. It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, especially when the improvement in energy efficiency can be made through simple fixes. The windows of the past often have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay problems that are typical of timber windows can be avoided by thorough maintenance and timely repairs. In addition it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork is wavy or cracked, but can cause significant structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. It is also essential to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem, as they are often designed to be water-resistant and this may result in the formation of mildew within the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, but they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for your location and climate, as these factors will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes that can be adapted to historic buildings. Maintenance The life of timber windows can be extended through regular inspections carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The most common cause of decay is moisture infiltration through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided with careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative. It is essential that repairs to the old sash and casement windows are properly executed, and carried out without causing any disturbance. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever feasible. Remove loose or peeling paint and then lightly sand the surface to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which may have historical significance. When a piece of wood has become rotten the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The inserted timber should also be treated with wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cill and timber cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement in one day. However, it is vital that the installer of replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of a building that is historic. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the original building. This is particularly true when the windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.