5 Cambridge Window Lessons Learned From The Pros

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained timber window is an important part of the historic fabric of a building. It illustrates in varying degrees the various materials and techniques design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time period from which it originates.

When possible, repairs should be done in-situ. The ventilation repair cambridgeshire system that is based on resin can be used to fix the most deteriorated areas without having to remove the entire window repair specialists.

Durability

The timber windows in many historical structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking good and operating properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The demand for enhancing timber windows to improve energy efficiency is also growing. This can involve replacing old glass units, repairing existing plastic window repair rebates, or installing new cills for improved air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is especially important in the case of sash windows as the gaps between sashes may be extremely large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The weather can be a factor in accelerating the rotting. To prevent this from happening, windows must be regularly painted with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the greatest amount of original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes that are created into the frame in order to allow cable access, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause deformations in the frame and sash. This could result in sash not fitting correctly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. This can be corrected often by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill must be made from a sturdy hardwood, such as oak, to avoid differential movement between new and older work.

There are several companies that produce Boston pattern wooden sash that fit most existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that meet the needs of the modern homeowner. Together with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a home.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal, since they show, in some form, the quality of the wood technology, the construction process, and the architectural taste from the time period they were constructed. They also may have significant historical value in their own right. This is particularly true of windows that were unglazed in the early days of timber-framed buildings, where the majority were simply a series of openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions with vertical wood or iron bars in order to protect against intrusions.

Traditional window joinery made of timber can be a highly decorative aspect of a building, and is crucial to keep its appearance. It is essential that any decay resulting from water penetration is stopped as soon as it is identified. This is best done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly 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 instructions in relation to preparation and the amount of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical problem for old timber windows and the best way to stop it developing is to remove any damaged or rotten sections immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of wood that is rotting should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, whenever feasible using the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant during the late medieval period and into the 17th century. This led to glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glazing was pinned into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and also allows larger sheets of glass to be utilized than would have been feasible without the use of led lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient because of their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be upgraded to improve their energy efficiency. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures should be viewed in terms of the overall quality and appearance of the window in its original form.

So, retaining the existing windows from the past that require repair rather than replacing them is logical particularly when thermal improvements can be achieved economically through simple repairs and upgrades. Historic windows are often of historical value, as they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to the architectural style. Most people think that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most are still in service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be avoidable with timely and thorough repairs. Additionally it is crucial to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to prevent serious damage. Early paint deterioration is a major issue, since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not noticed until the paintwork is wavy or cracked but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A high-quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. It is also essential to keep the paintwork spotless in order to prevent condensation and the growth of mould. Modern synthetic paints can pose a problem, as they are often formulated to be water-resistant, which can cause the growth of mildew within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were manufactured from timber containing a high proportion of sapwood. These timbers can deteriorate very quickly when exposed to wet weather conditions, but they can be preserved with an extensive preservative treatment prior to when they are put to use. It is crucial to select the right type of wood for the location and climate, as these variables can affect the longevity of the joinery. Local window manufacturers create a range of sash made of timber that can be adapted to fit specific historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspections carefully redecorated, as well as quick repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The primary cause of wood decay is moisture leaking through deteriorated paint and putty. This can be avoided with thorough painting and the use of an excellent wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are properly executed and completed without causing any disturbance. Repairs can be made to the majority of traditional wooden window designs without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Peeling or loose paint should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to improve the "key" of the surface and Upvc locksmith Cambridge allow for an easier adhesion of the new coating. It is essential to not remove old paint layers that may have historical value.

When a piece of wood has begun to decay, the best course of action is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in timber inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The inserted wood should also be treated with a wood preservative, and the junction between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

It's tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, particularly when the installer provides an installation that includes both replacement and removal in one day. It is crucial that installers of replacement windows have a thorough understanding of the history and design of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the right recommendations for energy efficiency improvements and other technological upgrades that won't harm the character of a historic building. Anyone who installs replacement windows should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution under Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that fit the the building originally. This is particularly relevant when cambridge windows are located within listed buildings or conservation areas.