Environmental Timber Windows

Though many homes in Europe have shifted more toward PVCu and uPVC as the modern building material for the movable components of both commercial and residential buildings. The benefits that the nature-given material offer is widely recognized in other parts of the world and the European countries are beginning to convert as well. Whether for your windows or doors, you always want a material that brings comfort, security, privacy, and that last long. Therefore in this article “timber windows & doors? Nature’s solution that can last a lifetime”, I stretch out the advantages and benefits of timber over other materials for windows and doors.

Durability

Do you know? The shortest lifespan of a lowly-maintained wooden door is 40 years. While most PVC won’t last more than 20 years upon receiving constant high maintenance, timbers are naturally durable. Unlike metals, they have low heat conductivity. And by that, they resist heat and rarely expand during summer. Remember yelling at a PVC door that won’t close because it has expanded? Do the front door shrieks and leaves marks on the floor during summer? You want to switch to timber for toughness and durability.

Corrosion-Free

All metals corrode. This is especially common among all grades and types of aluminium, steel, and other alloys which are a substitute for the natural material. Especially in winter or spring or other rainy seasons, they are unforgiven to moisture and will readily rust to peter out. You want an investment that lasts longer and that is where timber fills the box. For windows most especially which are constantly exposed to rain, timber withstands moisture and get dry quickly. Nevertheless, this depends largely on the type of timber you use. Some timbers are more water-resistant than others and you should talk to your contractor about choosing the best in that reference.

Natural Beauty of Timber

Timbers have that natural beauty you don’t have to pay for. This adds aesthetics to both the exterior and the interior of your home. Talking about making your house a home, timber also serves as heat resistance. Keeping your home warm and cosy regardless of seasonal or atmospheric temperature. There are, however, different kinds of timbers. Each has its own unique beauty and to what degree it blows out your painting or coating.

Low Maintenance And Eco-Friendly

Finally, timber windows and doors are eco-friendly when you use timber that is FSC certified. Likewise, maintaining them doesn’t cost much just like how cheap the installation is when compared to PVC. Seek out companies that source their timber when making their windows from renewable sources, there are ecological timber window manufacturers available in the UK and Europe it is just a case of seeking out those companies as they need to state that they source their wood from a renewable source.

Wooden windows can last you a lifetime, but only if you know how to maintain and look after them correctly. Decay and deterioration are inevitable with traditional windows because of the climate, wear and tear, etc., but this does not mean that you need to give up your original windows, or that maintaining your windows needs to be a difficult endeavour.

Problems to Look Out For

The most common problems associated with the degradation of traditional wood sash and case windows often ultimately comes down to poor maintenance. These problems can include stuck sashes, degradation of the joints, and rotting of the timber. Left long enough, these issues can develop into the requirement for full window restoration.

Things to look out for:

• Cracked or flaking paintwork
• Stuck sashes
• Deteriorated putty
• Broken cords
• Rotting wood

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the location of your property and climate will affect the level of maintenance and sometimes even the specific types of maintenance required. Windows in a north-facing position tend to be much better sheltered from wind and rain than their south-facing counterparts and there deteriorate at a much slower pace.

Steps to Maintaining Your Windows

Cleaning Timber Windows

No one wants to add to their cleaning routine, but taking regular time to clean the timber surfaces and glass of your traditional window will not only approve the appearance and functionality of the window, but it will also give you the opportunity to look for emerging issues like rotting wood or fraying sashes.

Inspecting the sash cord and pulley wheels, as well and looking over any draught-proofing or weather sealing will ensure that you are making the most of your cleaning time.

Cleaning your wooden windows doesn’t require any specialist equipment, just some time and TLC. Removing any larger pieces of dirt or debris with a vacuum cleaner will ensure that you do not scratch or damage your frames and makes for an easier clean.

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a couple of drops of washing up liquid, or better yet, use a specific wood cleaner and use a well-wrung clean sponge to remove the bulk of the grime. It is important to make sure that the sponge is not soaking wet as this can damage the wood. Clean details with a toothbrush and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid standing on chairs when cleaning windows, especially if there are water spillages!

Painting Timber Windows

Of course, cleaning and regularly inspecting your wood windows is just one aspect of maintaining your wood windows. In order to protect the wood and the window putty, the paintwork is just as important. In fact, using quality paints and having your windows professionally painted can extend the lifespan of your windows significantly.

If you’re a handy type and prefer to paint your wood windows yourself, there are a few things you should bear in mind before getting started. Firstly, it is important to remove all of the window ironmongery and sash furniture. Then prepare the area by rubbing down with a pumice stone or sandpaper before brushing away all dirt to ensure a smooth finish.

If your windows were painted with lead-based paint it is important to wear an air respirator to avoid inhaling toxic fumes and use a wet process to avoid toxic lead dust being released into the air.

Be sure to spot prime areas of exposed wood to ensure the best results for paint adhesion.

Maintaining and caring for your traditional windows doesn’t need to be a tough job, and you will be rewarded with beautiful, functional windows that will last for years to come!