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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained wooden window is an important component of a historical building. It demonstrates in various degrees the materials and technologies as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the time that it was built in. If repairs are possible to existing windows should be done in-situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay is possible with the help of specialized resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of wood in many old buildings were built to last for centuries. They do require maintenance to keep them looking great. The most frequent maintenance tasks include sash-cord repairs, re-tightening sash pulleys, and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows in order to increase efficiency and energy efficiency is also increasing. This may mean replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting in new cills to allow for better air sealing. A key problem with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be quite wide. In these instances, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the wood or putty underneath. The rotting process can be made worse by weather conditions that are not ideal. To stop this from happening, windows should 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 remains. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes that are made into the frame to allow cable access, since they can let in moisture and cause decay. Another issue with older windows is the structural movement within the wall, which can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This could result in the sash fitting incorrectly and jamming or sticking into the opening, or breaking glass. This can be fixed frequently by fitting new sash frames constructed of slow-growing deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be made from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to prevent movement between the existing and new work. There are now several companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash to fit most existing openings. They are available in various sizes and finishes that suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and a better thermal insulation, can 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 shape, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were built. They may also have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by wood or iron bars in order to protect against invaders. It is important to maintain the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. It is vital that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be immediately stopped once it is identified. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas that have already suffered damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed to be used as part of a system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of preparation and the number of coats needed at each stage. The fungus that causes wet rot can quickly spread in old windows made of wood. To prevent this, remove any rotten or damaged parts as soon as you can. Replace rotting wood with slow-growing deal (pine), and should it be possible, the same type of timber as the one being removed to prevent differential movement. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and deep projecting cills. In recent years, glass was pinned into frames that were rebated using glazing sprigs rather than lead cames. This method of glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for more expansive clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would have been possible without the need for lead lights. Energy efficiency The traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to detail. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing windows can be upgraded to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures should be considered in relation to the overall integrity and look of the original windows. It is logical to fix or upgrade windows, rather than replacing them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. The windows that are historic have a lot of historical significance, since they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural style. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150, 200, or even 250 years with proper maintenance. It is essential to realize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are avoidable with prompt and thorough repairs. In addition it is crucial to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, causing wet rot. It is not uncommon for this type of damage to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavier. However, it could cause structural damage and lead to further decay. A quality paint will prevent moisture penetration. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork clean to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant and this may cause the growth of mildew within the window frame. The majority of older windows were constructed from sapwood-rich timber. These timbers can deteriorate quickly when exposed to rain, but they can be protected by a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the climate and site conditions, since these factors can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers produce various types of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings in historic buildings. They can be made to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that are in keeping with the architectural style of historic buildings. Maintenance The life span of windows made from timber can be extended by regular inspection carefully redecoration, and timely repair. The main cause of decay is the penetration of moisture through deteriorated paint or putty. This can be avoided by using a good wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood. Repairs to old sash windows and window frames made of casement must be done with care and with minimal disruption. It is possible to repair the majority of traditional wooden window designs without having to remove the frame. This should be done as often as is feasible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and lightly sanded to improve the key of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value. If more info of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are shaped to match existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and sub-cill for masonry should be sealed. It is tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC U, particularly when the installer offers an installation that includes both replacement and removal in a single day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full understanding of the construction and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy efficiency improvements as well as other technological advancements that won't affect 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 replacement windows are deemed to be approved by the Building Regulations as a suitable option. It is, of course, possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-U windows that fit the style of the original building. This is especially true when the windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.