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Maintaining Timber Windows A well-maintained timber window is a significant element of the historic fabric of a building. It is a representation of the various materials and techniques as well as the craftsmanship and architectural style of the period from which it originates. When repairs are feasible to existing windows should be made in situ. Repairing the worst areas of decay can be done using proprietary resin-based systems. Durability The windows made of timber in many old structures were designed to last for centuries. But, they have to be maintained to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords, retightening of sash pulleys and painting. The demand for upgrading timber windows in order to increase efficiency in energy use is also growing. This could mean replacing old glass units, fixing existing window rebates or putting up new cills that allow for better air sealing. The deterioration of paintwork is a major issue with traditional windows. This is particularly important when sash windows are involved as the gaps between the sashes can be quite large. In these instances, water can penetrate the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood beneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows from becoming rotten, they must be regularly painted with 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 that the maximum amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is also essential to limit the number of holes drilled into the frame for cable entry as these can admit water and lead to decay. Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall which can lead to deformation of the frame and the sash. This could result in the sash not fitting properly or sticking or jamming into the opening and cracked glazing. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill must be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid any movement between the old and new 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 will suit the needs of modern-day homeowners. Combined with quadruple draught strips and improved thermal insulation, these new sash options can make significant improvements to the energy efficiency of a home. Aesthetics Many old timber windows have a high aesthetic value because they typically demonstrate, in a way the materials and techniques and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They 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 series openings in structural frames subdivided horizontally by mullions, and vertically by iron or wood bars in order to protect against intruders. It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional wooden window joinery. As soon as you see any signs of decay caused by moisture penetration it is essential to stop it. It is best to do this by thorough painting, especially if there is damage or degradation. It is advisable to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding preparation and number of coats needed at each stage. The fungus responsible for wet rot is able to spread quickly in old timber windows. To prevent this, take out any rotten or damaged parts as promptly as you are able to. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever feasible, the same species as that which is being removed to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers. Glass became more affordable and abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses became more complicated with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and cills that protruded deep. In recent years, glazing was pinned into rebated frames with glazing sprigs, not lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes the windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows more clear glass sheets to be employed than would be feasible without the use of led lights. Energy efficiency Traditional timber windows provide a good energy performance due to their thickness and multi-layer construction, as well as attentive attention to detail. They also feature large glass areas and deep projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency through draughtproofing and secondary glazing. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any such measures must be considered in terms of the overall appearance and integrity of the original window. It is sensible to fix or upgrade windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be achieved by simple repairs. Historic windows often have historical significance that shows a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however most are still capable of providing service for 150, 200 or even 250 years if properly maintained. It is essential to realize that decay issues associated with traditional timber windows can be preventable by timely and thorough repairs. Additionally it is vital to spot damp penetration issues and fix them promptly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration can be a problem because it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause 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 then further decay. A high-quality paint will prevent this moisture from entering. It is also necessary to keep the paintwork in good condition in order to prevent condensation and mould growth. Modern synthetic paints pose a problem because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to develop within the window frame. The majority of windows from the past were constructed from sapwood-rich wood. These timbers are susceptible to deterioration quickly when exposed to moist weather, however they can be protected with a thorough treatment of preservative before they are used. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for your location and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash made from timber that can be adapted to fit historical openings. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to custom sizes that are in keeping with historic buildings. Maintenance The lifespan of windows made of timber can be extended significantly through regular inspections as well as a careful redecoration and timely repair. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors for the decay is moisture intrusion through deteriorated putty and paint. This can be avoided by thorough painting and using an excellent wood preservative. Repairs to old sash windows as well as window frames made of casement should be done with care and with minimal disruption. A lot of traditional wooden window designs are repairable without removing the frame, and this approach should be taken whenever feasible. Remove peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the “key” of the surface. This will allow the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid removing old paint layers, which could have historical significance. Where a section of timber has become rotten the best way to proceed is to take out the rotten material and replace it with spliced-in inserts that are shaped to match the existing profiles. The timber that is inserted should be treated with a wood preservative, and the joint between the masonry sub-cill and the timber cill should be sealed. It can be tempting to replace traditional windows with PVC u, especially when the installer provides an all-in-one installation that includes removal and replacement within a single day. It is important that the installers of replacement windows are aware of the history and construction of traditional timber frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical improvements that do not alter the historic 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 option under Building Regulations. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-U windows that match the the building originally. This is especially true when the windows are situated within listed buildings or conservation areas.