What Is Cambridge Window And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Maintaining Timber Windows

A well-maintained and maintained timber window is a crucial element of the historical structure of a building. It reflects, in various degrees, the technology and materials of the time it was constructed, the architectural style and craftsmanship.

Whenever possible repairs to existing windows should be done in situ. The repair system that is based on resin can be used to repair the most deteriorated areas without removing the entire window.

Durability

The timber windows in many old structures were designed to last for hundreds of years. They do require some maintenance to ensure they look good. Maintenance tasks include repairs to sash cables as well as tightening the sash pulleys and painting. There is a growing need for upgrading timber windows to increase the efficiency of energy. This can involve replacing old glass units, fixing the window rebates that are in place, or installing new cills the air to seal better.

One of the main issues with traditional windows is the damage caused by corrosion of the paintwork. This is particularly true when windows made of sash are involved because the gaps between sashes can be quite wide. In these situations water may get through the paint film and cause decay of the putty and underlying wood. The rotting can be exacerbated due to weather conditions that are poor. To prevent this windows, they should be regularly painted with a suitable exterior wood paint.

The areas that are damaged should be repaired using a resin-based product. This will ensure that the maximum possible amount of the original fabric is preserved. It is essential to limit the number of holes made into the frame in order to allow cable entry because they could let in moisture and cause decay.

Another significant problem with older windows is structural movement in the wall that could cause deformation of the frame and the sash. This can result in the sash fitting incorrectly, jamming or sticking in the opening, or breaking glass. Most often, this is corrected by the fitting of new sash boxes that have been constructed from slow-growing 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.

There are a variety of companies that make Boston pattern wooden sash that fit into the majority of existing openings. The sash is available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the needs of today's homeowner. These new sash, when combined with quadruple draft strips and improved thermal insulation can significantly improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.

Aesthetics

Many old timber windows have a great aesthetic value as they often demonstrate, in a way, the materials and technology and architectural style of the time in which they originate. They could have significant historical significance on their own. This is especially true for early windows that were not glazed 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 intrusions.

Traditional timber window joinery can be a stunning feature of a building and is crucial to maintain its appearance. It is essential that any decay resulting from moisture penetration should be stopped as soon as it is identified. This is best done by painting thoroughly, especially in areas in which there is already damage or deterioration.  window companies cambridge Repair My Windows And Doors  is recommended to choose paints that are intended to be used in a set (primer undercoat and finish) and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation and number of coats 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 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 using slow grown deal (pine) and, whenever possible it is the same species as that which is being removed to avoid any movement differences between the new section and existing timbers.

Glass became less expensive and more abundant in the late medieval era and into the 17th century. As a result, glazed openings on timber-framed houses were more elaborate, with moulded mullions, wooden tracery and deep cills projecting into the air. In recent times, glass was fixed to rebated frames with glazing sprigs instead of lead cames. This method of glazing not only makes windows less likely to leak and break, but also allows larger sheets of glass to be used than would have been feasible without the use of leaded lights.

Energy efficiency

The traditional timber windows are energy efficient due to their thickness, multilayer construction and care for particulars. They also have large glass areas and projecting cills that reduce air infiltration. The windows can be made to increase their energy efficiency with draught-proofing and secondary glazing. It is crucial to remember that these measures should be taken into consideration in relation to the overall appearance and integrity of the original windows.

It is logical to repair or upgrade existing windows that are older rather than replacing them, particularly when improvements in energy efficiency can be made through simple repairs. The windows of the past often have historical significance that illustrates a variety of technical development and changes in architectural taste. Many people believe that these windows will have to be replaced in the near future. However, most can still provide service for 150,200, and even 250 years if you take care of maintenance.

It is important to recognise that the decay issues that are caused by traditional timber windows can be prevented by regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is also crucial to spot damp issues and correct them swiftly in order to avoid major damage. Early deterioration of paint is a major problem since it allows moisture penetrate the wood and cause wet rot. It is not uncommon for this issue to go unnoticed until paintwork begins to crack or becomes wavy. However, it can cause structural damage and lead to further decay.

A paint of good quality will prevent moisture penetration. To avoid condensation and mould it is crucial to keep the paintwork as clean as it can be. Modern synthetic paints are problematic since they are usually water-resistant and may cause mildew growth in the window frame.

Most older windows were made of sapwood-rich timber. The timbers will deteriorate rapidly if exposed to rain, however they can be protected by an extensive preservation treatment prior to use. It is also important to ensure that the type of wood used is suited to the climate and site conditions, as these factors will influence the durability of the joinery. Local window manufacturers offer various types of sash made from timber that can be customized to fit historic openings. They can be produced in the standard Boston pattern or in custom sizes to suit historic buildings.

Maintenance

Regular inspection as well as careful redecoration and timely repairs can prolong the life of timber windows. The primary reason for the decay is moisture infiltration through the deterioration of paint and putty. This can be avoided with careful painting and using high-quality wood preservative.

It is essential that repairs to old sash and casement windows are well executed and done without causing any disturbance. It is possible to fix several traditional designs of timber windows without taking the frame off. This is a must whenever it is possible. Paint that is peeling or loose should be removed carefully and sanded lightly to increase the  key of the surface and facilitate a better adhesion of the new coating. It is important to avoid stripping old paint layers which might have historical significance, and where these are present it is recommended that a paint analysis be carried out.

If a portion of wood is rotting the best way to deal with it is to remove it and replace it with timber inserts that are 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 the sub-cill of the masonry should be sealed.

Replacement of traditional windows using PVC-u may be an appealing option, particularly when the installer provides an "all-in-one" installation service that can handle both removal and replacement within one day. It is crucial that the person who installs replacement windows has a full knowledge of the structure and history of traditional wooden frames. This will enable them to make the appropriate recommendations for energy-efficiency improvements and other technological advancements that won't harm the character of an historic building. Those who provide replacement windows must be registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA. This will ensure that the replacement windows are approved as a suitable solution in accordance with Building Regulations. It is certainly possible for an experienced and skilled carpenter to install PVC-u windows that are sympathetic to the style of the original building. This is especially true where windows are installed in listed buildings and conservation areas.