10 Healthy Cambridge Window Habits

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained wooden upvc window and door repairs is a crucial component of a historical building. It illustrates in varying degrees the different materials and technologies, craftsmanship and architectural taste of the time period from which it dates.

If repairs are possible to windows that are already in use should be carried out in situ. Repairing the most deteriorated areas of decay can be done by using specialized resin-based systems.

Durability

The windows made of timber in many historic buildings were made to last for hundreds of years. However, they do need to be maintained to keep them looking great and working properly. Maintenance tasks include sash cord repairs as well as tightening the pulleys on sash, and painting. There is also a rising demand to upgrade the timber windows to improve energy efficiency. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills to allow for better air sealing.

The corrosion of paintwork is a major problem with traditional windows. This is particularly important when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be extremely wide. In these instances water can get into the paint film and cause rotting of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting can be exacerbated by weather conditions that are not ideal. To avoid this windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

Corroded areas should be repaired with resin-based products. This will ensure that the highest possible amount of the original fabric is retained. It is crucial to reduce the number of holes created in the frame to allow cable entry, as these can admit moisture and cause decay.

The structural movement of the wall could also cause distortions in the frame as well as the sash. This can result in sash no longer fitting correctly and jamming or sticking to the opening and cracked double glazing near me. This can be fixed frequently by putting in new frames for sash made of slow-grown deal (pine), or oak. The cill should be constructed from a sturdy hardwood such as oak to avoid differential movement between the new and existing work.

To alleviate this issue, there are now several companies that make Boston pattern sash made of wood that will fit into the majority of existing openings. These sash are available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. The new sash, combined with quadruple draft strip and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of a home's energy use.

Aesthetics

A lot of old timber frames have a great aesthetic appeal because they show, in some form, the materials technology, design, and aesthetics of the time they were made. They may also have a significant historical significance in their individual cases. This is particularly true of early unglazed window replacement cambridge openings in timber-framed structures, where the great majority were merely a series of openings within the structural frame sub-divided horizontally into mullions and vertical wood or iron bars to keep out intruders.

It is crucial to maintain the appearance of traditional timber window joinery. As soon as you notice any signs of decay caused by water penetration it is crucial to stop it. This can be done by a thorough painting process, especially in areas where there has already been damage or deterioration. It is advisable to use paints specifically designed to be used part of a system (primer, undercoat and finish) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding preparation and the number of coats required at each stage.

Wet rot is a typical issue in old timber windows and the best way to stop it becoming a problem is to take out any damaged or rotten sections as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the fungus responsible for it. The replacement of rotting timber should be done with care and using slow grown deal (pine) and, if feasible using the same species as that which is being removed in order to prevent differential movement between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became cheaper and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. This led to the glazed openings in timber-framed homes became more complex with moulded mullions, tracery made of wood and cills that protruded deep. In the past, more often, the glass was laid within rebated frames and secured by 'glazing sprigs' rather than being inserted into lead cames. This method of cambridge double glazing is not only less prone to leaking but also allows for much wider and clearer sheets of glass to be used in the windows than would otherwise be possible without the need for leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

Traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and attention to the smallest of details. They also feature large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. With secondary glazing and draught proofing, windows can be made more efficient to increase their energy efficiency. It is important to keep in mind that these measures need to be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

As a result, retaining the existing windows from the past that are in need of repair rather than replacing them is logical particularly when thermal enhancements can be made inexpensively with simple repairs and upgrades. Older windows are usually considered to be of historical value because they reflect a variety of technical development and changes to architectural taste. The pressures to replace such windows are generally based on the assumption that the windows of the past will require replacement in the near future, however they are in a position to last for 150, 200 or even 250 years if they are properly maintained.

It is important to recognize that decay issues with traditional timber windows are easily prevented with timely and thorough repairs. In addition, it is essential to identify damp penetration problems and to remedy them quickly to avoid serious damage. Early paint deterioration could be a problem as it allows moisture to get into the wood, which can cause wet rot. This type of damage is typically not evident until the paintwork is cracking or wavy but it can cause severe structural damage and can lead to further decay.

A good quality paint will stop this moisture penetration. It is also important to keep the paintwork spotless to avoid mould and condensation. Modern synthetic paints are problematic because they are water-resistant, and can cause mildew to grow within the window frame.

The majority of windows from the past were constructed from timber with the majority of sapwood. These timbers deteriorate quickly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected with a thorough preservation treatment before use. It is important to choose the right kind of wood for the location and the climate, since these factors can affect the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer an array of sash timbers that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to fit historical 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 penetration 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 well executed and completed without causing any disturbance. Many traditional timber window designs can be repaired without removing the frame, and this option should be taken 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 essential to avoid removing old paint layers, which could have historical significance.

Where a section of timber 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 existing profiles. The wood that is inserted should be treated with a wood preserver and the joint between the cill for timber and the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows with PVC-u is an appealing option, particularly when the installer offers an "all-in-one" installation that handles removal and replacement in the span of a day. It is vital that the installer of windows cambridge replacement windows has a thorough knowledge of the construction and history of traditional Wooden windows and doors cambridge frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate suggestions for improvements to energy efficiency and other technical upgrades that won't harm the historical character of a building. Window replacements should be registered with a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure the replacements are approved in accordance with Building Regulations as a suitable alternative. It is, of course, possible for a skilled and experienced carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the style of the original building. This is particularly true where the windows are located in listed buildings or conservation areas.