Something about the wooden window
2008-08-27

Today we see the wooden window very litter. But it is used very long and has many values. It is a culture for us not a window. We need to know more about it. Now let us have a look at its history.

      The earliest wooden window existed in America. The first windows in early American houses were casement windows; that is, they were hinged at the side and opened outward. In the beginning of the eighteenth century single- and double-hung windows were introduced. Subsequently many styles of these vertical sliding sash windows have come to be associated with specific building periods or architectural styles, and this is an important consideration in determining the significance of windows, especially on a local or regional basis. Site-specific, regionally oriented architectural comparisons should be made to determine the significance of windows in question. Although such comparisons may focus on specific window types and their details, the ultimate determination of significance should be made within the context of the whole building, wherein the windows are one architectural element.

       After all of the factors have been evaluated, windows should be considered significant to a building if they: 1) are original, 2) reflect the original design intent for the building, 3) reflect period or regional styles or building practices, 4) reflect changes to the building resulting from major periods or events, or 5) are examples of exceptional craftsmanship or design. Once this evaluation of significance has been completed, it is possible to proceed with planning appropriate treatments, beginning with an investigation of the physical condition of the windows.

       In fact, the windows on many historic buildings are an important aspect of the architectural character of those buildings. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. This is self-evident for ornamental windows, but it can be equally true for warehouses or factories where the windows may be the most dominant visual element of an otherwise plain building. Evaluating the significance of these windows and planning for their repair or replacement can be a complex process involving both objective and subjective considerations. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the accompanying guidelines, call for respecting the significance of original materials and features, repairing and retaining them wherever possible, and when necessary, replacing them in kind. This Brief is based on the issues of significance and repair which are implicit in the standards, but the primary emphasis is on the technical issues of planning for the repair of windows including evaluation of their physical condition, techniques of repair, and design considerations when replacement is necessary.  

        The window has very important historical significance. Evaluating the architectural or historical significance of windows is the first step in planning for window treatments, and a general understanding of the function and history of windows is vital to making a proper evaluation. As a part of this evaluation, one must consider four basic window functions: admitting light to the interior spaces, providing fresh air and ventilation to the interior, providing a visual link to the outside world, and enhancing the appearance of a building. No single factor can be disregarded when planning window treatments; for example, attempting to conserve energy by closing up or reducing the size of window openings may result in the use of more energy by increasing electric lighting loads and decreasing passive solar heat gains.

          The key to successful planning for window treatments is a careful evaluation of existing physical conditions on a unit-by-unit basis. Many factors such as poor design, moisture, vandalism, insect attack, and lack of maintenance can contribute to window deterioration, but moisture is the primary contributing factor in wooden window decay. All window units should be inspected to see if water is entering around the edges of the frame and, if so, the joints or seams should be caulked to eliminate this danger. The glazing putty should be checked for cracked, loose, or missing sections which allow water to saturate the wood, especially at the joints. The back putty on the interior side of the pane should also be inspected, because it creates a seal which prevents condensation from running down into the joinery. The sill should be examined to insure that it slopes downward away from the building and allows water to drain off. In addition, it may be advisable to cut a drip line along the underside of the sill. This almost invisible treatment will insure proper water runoff, particularly if the bottom of the sill is flat. Any conditions, including poor original design, which permit water to come in contact with the wood or to puddle on the sill, must be corrected as they contribute to deterioration of the window.

         Now we see some knowledge about Routine Maintenance. Repairs to wooden windows are usually labor intensive and relatively uncomplicated. On small scale projects this allows the do-it-yourselfer to save money by repairing all or part of the windows. On larger projects it presents the opportunity for time and money which might otherwise be spent on the removal and replacement of existing windows, to be spent on repairs, subsequently saving all or part of the material cost of new window units. Regardless of the actual costs, or who performs the work, the evaluation process described earlier will provide the knowledge from which to specify an appropriate work program, establish the work element priorities, and identify the level of skill needed by the labor force. The routine maintenance required to upgrade a window to "like new" condition normally includes the following steps: 1) some degree of interior and exterior paint removal, 2) removal and repair of sash (including regaling where necessary), 3) repairs to the frame, 4) weather stripping and reinstallation of the sash, and 5) repainting. These operations are illustrated for a typical double-hung wooden window, but they may be adapted to other window types and styles as applicable. Historic windows have usually acquired many layers of paint over time. Removal of excess layers or peeling and flaking paint will facilitate operation of the window and restore the clarity of the original detailing. Some degree of paint removal is also necessary as a first step in the proper surface preparation for subsequent refinishing (if paint color analysis is desired, it should be conducted prior to the onset of the paint removal). There are several safe and effective techniques for removing paint from wood, depending on the amount of paint to be removed. Paint removal should begin on the interior frames, being careful to remove the paint from the interior stop and the parting bead, particularly along the seam where these stops meet the jamb. This can be accomplished by running a utility knife along the length of the seam, breaking the paint bond. It will then be much easier to remove the stop, the parting bead and the sash. The interior stop may be initially loosened from the sash side to avoid visible scarring of the wood and then gradually pried loose using a pair of putty knives, working up and down the stop in small increments. With the stop removed, the lower or interior sash may be withdrawn. The sash cords should be detached from the sides of the sash and their ends may be pinned with a nail or tied in a knot to prevent them from falling into the weight pocket.  

       In today’s market, the wooden is becoming more and more popular as its environment and historic. Probably it can’t resist fire as other window. But it is a good choose for people. Lets have a look at today famous brand.

         No matter how unusual the design or size and whether you require arched, or traditional frames, with or without Georgian bars, we can offer a window to meet your needs. Every detail has been carefully considered from the grading of the timber to its final coat of stain. Hardware, weather seals, glazing units, security al1 have been developed to enhance the performance and appearance of your wooden windows. We offer traditional Casement windows as well as Vertical Sliding Sash windows in the stiles given in the diagram on the right. Vertical Sliding Sash window combines traditional styling with modern technology. It suits perfectly the character of 'period' style housing but also stands, in its own right, as a window of 'today'. Through its inherited, state of the art manufacturing techniques it combines comfort, convenience and security while preserving its classic lines.

MAINTENANCE The sash spring balances are lubricated during the production process and are designed to be self lubricating during the operation of the window sashes. The balances should therefore require the minimum of maintenance but all fittings should be checked regularly. If dirt builds up at the bottom end of the balance it should be cleaned out and re-greased with multi-purpose grease. Ensure that the balances are not being over-extended or crushed by checking the sash moves to contact the travel stop without undue force. Gaskets should be kept free of paint, stain and lacquer to ensure perfect performance. Treated and finished with modern, water-repellent stains, wooden windows can be expected to give an excellent all-round performance and, if kept clean and maintained with a similar stain on a regular basis (always in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations}, will continue to do so.

BENEFITS • 24mm double glazing is standard with all our wood products. • Special timber sections, designed to accommodate the double glazing unit, mean elegantly slim windows. • Normal excessive sideways movement (a common complaint with vertical sash windows) has been eliminated by designing in additional seals. • These additional seals also mean smoother upwards/downwards and improved weather performance. • Pre-tensioned, fully concealed spring; balances with built-in adjustment allow smooth operation and carry a five year warranty. • For piece of mind all windows have or finger locking sash locks. • The timbers used come from well managed forests and are specially selected for their high quality and fine grain. They bring natural beauty, energy efficiency, warmth and long lasting durability into your home. • A wide range of window designs and opening options including arched heads Georgian style meet most needs   

       From above introduction, we can see that the wooden window has its advantages to attract customers. There is no doubt that it will become stronger in the future. Above all, people always think the old thing is the good thing if they change a pretty face.