Why All The Fuss About Cambridge Window

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained window repair cambridge made of timber is a crucial element of the historic structure of a building. It reflects in different degrees, the materials and techniques of the time it was made, the craftsmanship and architectural taste.

If possible, repairs should be made on-site. Repair systems made of resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without removing the whole window.

Durability

Timber windows cambridge were made to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to keep them looking good. The most frequently-asked maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and re-tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can include replacing old glazing units, repairing existing window rebates, or installing new cills to improve air door seal repair near me.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when it comes to sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these cases, water can penetrate paint film and cause rotting of the putty or wood beneath. The rotting may be further aggravated by poor weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

Areas that have been damaged must be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric retained. It is also important to minimise the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry since these could admit water and lead to decay.

Another major issue with older windows is structural movement in the wall that can lead to deformation of the frame and sash. This can result in sash not fitting correctly jamming, sticking or sagging in the opening, or breaking glass. This can often be fixed by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill needs to be constructed from a sturdy hardwood, like oak, to avoid the movement of new and existing work.

To help reduce this problem, there are now a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash window repair cambridge that will fit into the majority of existing openings. They are available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the requirements of the modern homeowner. These new sash, when coupled with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can make a significant difference to the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames possess a dazzling aesthetic appeal, as they show, Window Repair Specialists in some form, the materials, technology, and architectural aesthetics of the time they were made. They could have significant historical significance as a set. This is especially true of early unglazed windows in timber-framed buildings, in which the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames that were subdivided horizontally by mullions and vertical iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders.

Traditional window joinery made from timber can be a highly decorative feature of a building and is crucial to keep its appearance. When you spot any signs of decay caused by the penetration of moisture, it is important to stop it. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or degradation. It is recommended to use paints designed to be used as part of the system (primer undercoat, finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines in terms of preparation and number of coats required at each stage.

The fungus that causes wet rot is able to spread quickly in old windows made of timber. To stop this from happening, take out any rotten or damaged parts as quickly as you can. The replacement of rotting timber must be done with care using slow grown deal (pine) and, wherever possible it is the same species as which is being removed to prevent any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval period and into the 17th century. In the process, the openings for glazed windows on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. Increasingly, the glazing 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 leaking but it also allows larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows have an excellent energy performance due to their thickness, multi-layer construction and very attentive attention to detail. The large glass surfaces, the deep projecting cills, and the large glazing areas help to reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draughtproofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in terms of the overall integrity and appearance of the window in its original form.

It is logical to fix or upgrade historic windows rather than replace them, especially when the improvements in thermal efficiency can be made through simple fixes. Older windows are usually of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technological advancement and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that the windows will need to be replaced in the near future. However, many of them can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if they are maintained with proper maintenance.

It is crucial to understand that decay issues with traditional timber windows are avoidable with quick and thorough repairs to upvc doors. It is also essential to identify damp problems and correct them swiftly to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem as it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go undetected until the paintwork begins to crack or become wavier. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. To prevent condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as you can. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem because they are usually formulated to be water-resistant, which can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of older windows were constructed from timber with an extensive proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very rapidly if exposed to wet weather, but can be preserved with a thorough preservative treatment before they are put to use. It is also crucial to ensure that the type of wood used is suitable to the location and climate conditions, as these elements will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers have a wide range of timber sash which can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be built according to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with historic buildings.

Maintenance

The life span of windows made from timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections, careful redecoration and prompt repair. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through the deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided by using a quality wood preservative and thoroughly painting the wood.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to repair many traditional timber window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Remove peeling or loose paint and 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 stripping paint layers that may have historic value and if they are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be conducted.

When a section of wood is rotting the best option is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is being inserted should be treated with wood preservative and the connection between the timber cill and sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of windows made of traditional PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation that takes care of removal and replacement in a day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technical improvements that do not alter the historical character of a building. Those providing replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme like FENSA. This will ensure that the replacements are deemed as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the the original building. This is particularly relevant when windows are situated within conservation areas or listed buildings.