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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained window made of timber is a crucial element of the historical fabric of a building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time period from which it dates. When possible, repairs should be made in-situ. Repairing the most severe areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability Timber windows were designed to last hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. The most common maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. There is a growing need to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This may mean replacing old glazing units, repairing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow the air to seal better. One of the main issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly important in the case of sash windows, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these situations, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting process can be made worse due to weather conditions that are poor. To stop this from happening windows from becoming rotten, they must be painted regularly using an exterior wood paint that is suitable. In addition to repainting, corroded areas must be repaired using a resin-based repair product. This will ensure the maximum amount of the original fabric is retained. It is also necessary to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry since these could allow water in and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and sash. This can lead to sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new frames for sash made of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work. There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit in with the majority of openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can make a huge difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Aesthetics Many old wooden windows have an excellent aesthetic value because they typically illustrate, in some way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the period from when they were built. They also may have a significant historic value in their own right. This is especially true for windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the great majority were simply a series of openings in the frame, which were divided horizontally into mullions, and vertically into wood or iron bars to deter intruders. Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is essential to keep it looking good. It is vital that any decay caused by water penetration is removed as soon as it is discovered. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in relation to preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, take out any damaged or rotten parts as soon as you can. The replacement of rotting wood should be carefully undertaken with a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new and old timbers. In the late the 17th and early the medieval periods, glass became cheaper and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed buildings gradually became sophisticated with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep protruding cills. Increasingly, the glazing was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than into lead cames. This method of glazing is not just less prone to leaks but it also allows more expansive, clearer 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 are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and care for detail. They also feature large glass areas as well as deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. It is important 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 sensible to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple repairs. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural style. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk think that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, they are still in service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance. It is essential to understand that the decay problems caused by traditional timber windows can be avoided by regular maintenance and prompt repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and address them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early paint deterioration is a major problem because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavy. However, it could cause structural damage and further decay. A quality paint will stop moisture from entering the paint. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant and may cause mildew growth within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were made from timber that contained a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation process prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the kind of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, since these factors affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce various types of timber sash that can be adapted to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that fit with historic buildings. Maintenance Regular inspection, careful redecoration, and prompt repairs can extend the life of wooden windows. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative. It is essential that repairs to old sash or casement windows are done correctly, and carried out with minimal disruption. It is possible to fix many traditional timber window designs without removing the frame. This is a must whenever it is 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. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, as they may have historical significance. If a portion of wood is decayed the best way to deal with it is to take it off and replace it with timber inserts designed to match existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the timber cill and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed. Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u can be an attractive option, especially when the installer provides a “one-stop shop” installation that takes care of removal and replacement within a day. However, it is vital that the installer of windows replacement has a thorough knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't alter the appearance of a historic building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that replacement windows are approved under Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the character of the original building. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.