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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historic fabric of a structure. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time it was made, the architectural style and craftsmanship. When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems. Durability The timber windows in many historic buildings were built to last for centuries. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of pulleys for sash and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills for improved air seal. A key problem with traditional windows is the damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when it comes to sash windows because the gaps between sashes can be very large. In these cases water can get into paint film and cause rotting to the wood or putty beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows need to be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, areas that have corroded must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure that the best possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes created in the frame to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay. The structural movement of the wall can also lead to deformations in the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and broken glazing. This can be corrected often by putting in new sash frames made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, in order to prevent any shifting between the new and existing work. There are a variety of companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of today's homeowner. These sash are coupled with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they display, in a certain form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were constructed. They could also have a significant historical significance in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were just a collection of openings in the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to deter invaders. Traditional timber window joinery can be a highly decorative element of a structure and is essential to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be removed as soon as it is recognised. It is recommended to do this by thorough painting, especially where there is damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the amount of coats needed 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 promptly as you are able to. The replacement of wood that is rotting must be done with care by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever possible, the same species as 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 cheaper and more abundant, and the openings for glazed glass in timber-framed buildings gradually became elegant with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In the past, more often, the glass was placed within frames with rebates and then pinned by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but also allows for larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay attentive attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. The windows can be modified to improve their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is important to remember that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows. It is sensible 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 are usually of historical value, as they show a range in technical development and changes to the architectural style. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most will last for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is important to recognize that decay problems with traditional timber windows are avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to recognize damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to prevent serious damage. The early deterioration of paint could be a problem as it allows moisture to penetrate into the wood, causing wet rot. The damage is usually not apparent until the paintwork is wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage, and could lead to further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints can be problematic because they are usually designed to be water-resistant which can lead to the formation of mildew within the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to moist weather, but can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer a wide range of sash timbers that can be made to fit the historic openings. They can be made in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the life of timber windows. The primary reason for the decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by using a good wood preservative and painting the wood thoroughly. Repairs to old sash windows and casement window frames must be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be used whenever it is feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will enable the new coating to stick better. It is crucial to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value. Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best course of action is to remove the rotted material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to fit the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between masonry sub-cills and timber cill should be sealed. It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an 'all-in-one' installation which includes both replacement and removal within a single day. It is essential that installers of replacement windows have a deep understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't harm the character of a historic building. The window installers who provide replacement windows must be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will ensure that the replacements are deemed to be approved under Building Regulations as a suitable option. A skilled carpenter can install PVC-u Windows that are sympathetic to the original building's style. This is especially true when the windows are in listed buildings or conservation areas.