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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is an important element of the historical structure of a building. It reflects, in various degrees, the technology and materials of the time period it was made, the design and craftsmanship. If it is possible, repairs must be made on-site. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without having to remove the entire window. Durability The windows made of wood in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and operating correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The need to upgrade timber windows to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing existing window rebates or installing new cills to improve air seal. The deterioration of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly true when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated by poor weather conditions. To avoid this windows, they should be painted regularly using a suitable exterior wood paint. In addition to repainting, corroded areas need to be repaired with the help of a resin-based repair solution. This will ensure that the greatest amount of the original fabric is retained. It is important to minimize the number of holes drilled into the frame in order to allow cable entry, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, and broken glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, in order to prevent any differential movement between new and existing work. There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern homeowners. These sash are combined with quadruple draft strips and a more efficient thermal insulation, could significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value because they typically show, in a particular way, the materials and technology and architectural taste of the time from which they originate. They also may have a significant historic value in their in their own right. This is especially true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed structures, which were merely a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and iron or wood bars to keep out intruders. Traditional timber window joinery is a beautiful aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay caused by moisture penetration should be immediately stopped once it is recognised. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish), and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparation and number of coats at each stage. Wet rot is a frequent issue in old timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections as soon as you can to stop the spread of the fungus responsible for it. Replace rotting wood with slow-grown deal (pine) and, when possible, the exact type of timber as the one being removed to prevent differential movement. In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became more affordable and plentiful so that glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more sophisticated with wooden tracery as well as moulded mullions and protruding cills. In repairmywindowsanddoors , glazing was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but it can allow for more expansive, clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for leaded lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness and multilayer construction as well as attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that minimise air infiltration. The windows can be made to improve their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However, it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed in relation to the overall quality and appearance of the original window. So, retaining existing historic windows that require repair rather than replacing them is logical, particularly when their thermal improvements can be achieved inexpensively with simple repairs and improvements. The windows of the past often have an historic value that demonstrates a range of technical development and changes in architectural tastes. The pressures to replace such windows are typically based on the assumption that the windows that are old will need to be replaced in the near future, but the majority of them are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained. It is important to recognize that decay problems in traditional timber windows are easily prevented with prompt and thorough repairs. Additionally, it is essential to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it could cause structural damage and then further decay. A good paint will block moisture penetration. To prevent mould and condensation, it is important to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame. Most older windows were made from sapwood-rich wood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, but they can be preserved with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the site and climate conditions, as these elements 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 made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions, or to custom sizes that fit with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection carefully redecorated, as well as prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The most common reason for decay is the infiltration of moisture through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be prevented by careful painting and using a good quality wood preservative. Repairs to sash windows that are old and window frames made of casement should be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this method should be taken whenever possible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the area to improve the 'key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to stick better. Be careful to avoid stripping paint layers that may have historic value If these are present, it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted. Where a section of timber has begun to decay, the best option is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber inserts should be treated using wood preservative and the junction between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an “all-in-one” installation that takes care of both removal and replacement within one day. It is, however, vital that the installer of replacement windows has a complete knowledge of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the right suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological improvements that don't affect the appearance of a historic building. Those who provide replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are approved as a suitable option under Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the style of the building originally. This is especially true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.