MAINTENANCE FOR
TIMBER DOORS & WINDOWS
All timber doors and timber windows require some maintenance but careful design and construction can minimise that task. This is the case with Blackthorn Timber's high-quality range of timber doors and timber windows where the quality of the materials used combined with well-considered design principles and quality-assured manufacturing means their products will perform well for many years.
EXTENDING THE LIFESPAN OF TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS
Good timber casement window design means balancing the aesthetics with the practical necessities for durability, security and insulation. Most customers prefer slender frames but they need to be able to withstand attacks from hand-tools and even crowbars without either breaking or falling apart. The stronger the timber, the smaller the frame can be. Engineered timber, comprising 3 or more layers of wood stacked such that their grain runs in opposing directions, increases the strength of timber.
The opposing grain directions also reduce the risk of timber movement - warping or twisting - which a natural material like wood could do as the ambient humidity level changes. Less timber movement means water won't penetrate joints, meaning extended lifespans and also means that timber doors and timber windows remain tight onto their weather-seals, eliminating draughts. The typical lifespan of a uPVC window is 17 - 20 years. They reach the end of their useful life for a variety of reasons but the main ones are i) the hinges and other ironmongery start to work loose as fixing screws elongate their holes, and/or ii) they simply look dated and shabby. On the other hand, timber is infinitely repairable should this ever be needed and careful redecoration of wooden windows and wooden doors can make them look brand new once again.
MICRO-POROUS PAINT PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 YEARS
Modern micro-porous paints are far less prone to flaking and cracking than the old oil-based paints. This means longer-lasting protection for windows and doors. The performance of the factory-supplied coatings on our products will offer protection for up-to 10-years on Redwood and Hardwood timber windows and doors and 12 years on Accoya windows and doors. The actual performance will depend on several factors including the location of the installation (sheltered or exposed, polluted or clean-air), elevation and orientation to the sun and prevailing weather.
ANNUAL CLEANING
OF TIMBER DOORS
All joinery should be cleaned and inspected at least quarterly. Here's how to do it.
- Use warm water with a mild detergent solution
- Use a soft cloth that is not abrasive
- Lightly wash down the whole door frame and the door using the mild detergent solution
- Ensure the parts of the door which are covered by the frame when closed are cleaned
- Once the door is carefully cleaned, use fresh clean warm water and a clean cloth to rinse
- Ensure any residue of detergent is removed
- Do not use cleaning products that contain abrasives
- Do not use strong chemicals that could damage the paintwork or the wood
- Do not soak the wood when rinsing as this can encourage rot
ANNUAL CLEANING
OF TIMBER WINDOWS
The frames of timber windows should be cleaned at least quartlery, sometimes more often depending on the location of the house and the prevailing weather conditions. Window frames of houses in coastal locations or in busy traffic locations will need more frequent cleaning. The cleaning process is similar to that of timber doors.
- Use warm water in a bowl with a mild detergent solution
- Use a soft cloth that is not abrasive
- Lightly wash down the whole window frame using the mild detergent solution
- Ensure the parts of the window which are covered when the window is closed are cleaned
- After a thorough cleaning, use fresh clean warm water and a clean cloth to rinse
- Ensure any residue of detergent is removed
- Do not use cleaning products that contain abrasives
- Do not use strong chemicals that could damage the paintwork or the wood
- Do not use a garden hose to rinse the windows, as this encourages water ingress and rot
This cleaning process will remove dead insects, dust, pollutants, and contaminants which may contribute to the growth of unsightly algae.
Tips: When cleaning window panes, avoid getting glass cleaner on the frame. The chemicals in many glass cleaners will attack the paintwork.
Tips: Do remember to clean the weather seals and trickle vents when performing the clean
Tips: Regular cleaning of window frames will extend the time period before a window requires further maintenance.
CLEANING AND LUBRICATING THE IRONMONGERY
Many timber windows and doors are fitted with attractive, matching ironmongery that is in keeping with the natural wood frames. These fittings will also benefit from a periodic clean with a suitable metal cleaner. Please check the door manufacturer's instructions when cleaning the ironmongery. It is important to avoid getting metal cleaners and suchlike on the paintwork to prevent it from being damaged.
Hinges, catches, and latches on items such as those on the timber bifold doors and the timber french doors will last longer and remain squeak-free if lubricated with a light oil once a year. Use small quantities of oil to prevent visible runs down the paintwork by the hinges and catches.
TOUCH-UP PAINTING & REPAINTING OF TIMBER DOORS & TIMBER WINDOWS
If an accident or incident causes your timber door or window frame to become damaged or chipped, leaving the wood beneath exposed to the elements, it is best to effect a repair as soon as possible.
- Prepare the area to be repaired using gently abrasive sandpaper
- Rub only in line with the natural wood grain to remove any surface imperfections
- Clean the area with a damp cloth and leave to dry naturally
- If the damage needs filling to restore a smooth surface, fill the hole with an appropriate wood filler and, once dry, sand to a smooth, flat finish again.
- Apply a coat of primer to the exposed wood and leave to dry
- Apply two coats of undercoat, leaving each coat to dry
- Apply the first topcoat and leave to dry
Nowadays, timber doors and timber windows are designed and manufactured to give homeowners many years of virtually maintenance-free service. Blackthorn Timber offers customers a 30-year anti-rot guarantee and a micro-porous paint finish that can last 10 years, on all their timber doors and windows range.