To increase the lifespan of your timber windows and doors is important to carry out regular maintenance. With the correct maintenance, timber windows and doors can last up to 100 years.
How often maintenance is required, and the level of maintenance required, will depend on the position of your window or door, the timber used and the finish.
Windows and doors should be checked regularly for any signs of rotting, whether they are letting a draught in when closed and how easily they operate. If these checks highlight any potential issues, a specialist should be contacted who can advise you on the required restoration and repair work.
It is important to note that not all timber windows and doors will deteriorate at the same rate, so they should all be checked individually, and work should be carried out where required. For example, in exposed, high altitude coastal areas windows and doors will require more regular maintenance than in sheltered non-coastal, low altitude areas.
Painting
Paint should be cleaned with a mild detergent every year. Dark coloured windows and doors will require a new coat of paint more regularly that lighter colours as the paint can be damaged by the sun due to the temperature on the surface of the window increasing.
Check the operation
As timber can expand and contract over time, timber windows and doors should be opened regularly, especially in the first month after installation. To enable easy operation of windows and doors long-term, all hinges, handles, trickle vents and working parts should be checked annually and lubricated as required with silicone spray or light oil.
If your sash windows drop when you try to open them, this may be due to the sash cords being damaged. The Sash Window Workshop offers a minor repair service for sash windows in central London. For a free quotation, call us on: 01344 868 668.
Timber
Our preferred timber when installing replacement windows and doors is Accoya. This is due to its stability, high durability and low maintenance. Unlike other timbers, Accoya comes with a 50 year anti-rot guarantee.
Draught Proofing
Draught proof seals should be cleaned regularly, and any dead insects should be removed.
Windows will need draught proofing roughly every 5 – 10 years to prevent draughts from coming into your home. For a quotation to draught proof your timber windows, contact The Sash Window Workshop on: 01344 868 668.