• 목록
• 답변
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden window is an essential component of a historical building. It is a representation of the different materials and technologies design, craftsmanship and aesthetics of the time from which it dates.

When repairs are feasible to existing windows are required, they should be done in-situ. Proprietary resin-based repair systems can be used to repair the worst areas of decay without removing the whole window.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic buildings were built to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to ensure they look good and functioning properly. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cords and retightening sash pulleys and painting. There is also a growing demand for upgrading timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This may include replacing old glazing units, fixing the window rebates that are in place or installing new cills for improved air seal.

One of the major issues with traditional windows is damage caused by the corrosion of the paintwork. This is especially important when sash window repair cambridge windows cambridge are concerned, as the gaps between sashes can often be quite large. In these circumstances water can get into the paint film and cause decay of the putty and the wood underneath. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this from happening, windows must be painted regularly with an exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired with a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum amount of original fabric is preserved. It is also important to limit the number of holes that are drilled into the frame to allow cable entry, as they could allow water in and cause decay.

The wall's structural movement can also lead to distortions in the frame and sash. This can lead to the sash not fitting properly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked glazing. This can often be fixed by fitting new sash boxes made from slow grown deal (pine) or oak. The cill should be made of a durable hardwood like oak to avoid differential movement between the old and new work.

To help reduce this problem There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit the needs of modern-day homeowners. In conjunction with quadruple draught strip and improved thermal insulation, these sashes can make a a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a house.

Aesthetics

Many old timber frames have a high aesthetic appeal because they reflect, in some shape, the materials technology, the construction process, and the architectural style of the time they were made. They may also have significant historical value in their own right. This is especially true of early windows that were not glazed in timber framed buildings where the great majority were simply a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and wood or iron bars to deter intruders.

It is essential to preserve the appearance of traditional timber double glazed windows cambridge window joinery. It is crucial that any decay caused by the penetration of moisture should be stopped as soon as it is identified. This can be done by applying a thorough coat of paint, particularly in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration. It is recommended to use paints that are specifically designed to be used part of the system (primer as well as undercoat, finish and primer) and follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a common problem for older timber windows. The best method to stop it from developing is to remove sections that are damaged or rotten as soon as possible to stop the spread of the fungus that causes it. The replacement of rotting wood should be done with care and by using a slow-growing deal (pine) and, wherever possible, the same species as which is being removed in order to prevent shifting between the new section and existing timbers.

In the late period of the 17th century and the middle of the medieval period, glass became less expensive and more abundant, so that the glazed openings in timber-framed structures gradually became more elegant with wooden tracery, moulded mullions and deep projection cills. In recent years, glazing was fixed into frames that were rebated with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of cambridge double glazing is not only less prone to leaks but also allows for larger clearer, more transparent sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would be possible without the need for lead lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows offer excellent energy efficiency due to their thickness and multi-layer construction. They also pay careful attention to detailing. They also have large glass areas and deep projection cills which reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, the windows can be improved to increase their energy efficiency. It is essential to remember that these measures should be considered when it comes to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is sensible to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvement in thermal efficiency can be made by simple repairs. Older windows typically have historical significance that demonstrates a range of technological advances and changes in architectural taste. The pressures to replace these windows are usually based on the assumption that the old windows will need replacement in the near future, however most are still capable of serving for 150, 200 and even 250 years, if properly maintained.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented through regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It is also essential to identify damp problems and address them promptly so that you can avoid serious damage. Early deterioration of paint is a particular problem, because it allows moisture to penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this damage to go unnoticed until paintwork starts to crack or turn curly. However, it can cause structural damage and further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture from entering. To prevent mould and condensation it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. The use of modern synthetic paints could be a problem because they are usually made to be water-resistant which can lead to the formation of mildew inside the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be preserved with an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is important to choose the right type of wood for the site and climate, as these variables will affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers make a variety of timber sash that can be customized to fit specific openings from the past. They can be built to the standard Boston pattern dimensions or to specific sizes that fit with historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the life of wooden windows. The most common cause of decay is moisture intrusion through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be prevented by thorough painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is important that repairs to old sash and casement windows are done correctly and done with the minimum disturbance. Many of the traditional designs for timber windows can be repaired without removing the frame, and this approach should be followed whenever feasible. Remove any peeling or loose paint and lightly sand the surface to improve the "key" of the surface. This will enable the new coating to adhere better. It is important to avoid stripping paint layers that might have historical significance and if they are present it is recommended that a study of the paint be carried out.

If a portion of wood has rotted, the best solution is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts shaped to match the existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver, and the junction between the timber cill and the sub-cill for masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be a tempting option, especially when the installer offers a 'one stop shop' installation that takes care of removal and replacement within the span of a day. It is, however, essential that the person installing replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional timber frames. This will allow them to make the appropriate suggestions for energy efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't alter the appearance of an historic building. 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 acceptable under 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 the original building. This is particularly true where windows are situated in listed buildings or conservation areas.