Repairs: joinery, doors and kitchens

Timber moves. Some of it moves a lot (usually, but not always, softwoods). Although timber is essentially dimensionally stable along its length, it can move quite significantly across the grain and across its width.

Even past craftsmen sometimes forgot this basic principle. Many timber defects (in older properties, but also in new) occur either as a result of errors in the original construction or because of subsequent unsympathetic repairs (for example, repairs that secure timber panels, preventing them from moving and leading to shrinks, splits, warping and so on). For all external joinery:

• Consider why the defect was caused in the first place – carefully examine drips, throats, hoods over windows, sealant mastic and so on, so that poorly designed details are not perpetuated.
• If necessary, carry out a careful condition survey to establish the condition of all windows or doors, and the extent of repairs required.
• When specifying components for a repair (or replacement) check some samples – incorrect detailing can increase the cost-in-use, to the point where the cost of maintenance and repair is considerably higher than any savings made initially.

In many instances the repairs needed will be based on traditional joinery techniques. However, some skills were lost during the latter part of the 20th century under the influence of 'modern methods of construction' and a shortage of skilled labour. So:

• Check that the building contractor or joiner fully understands what is required in terms of the quality of work and appropriate attention to detail.

Given the shortage of skilled workers (or the long wait for those who do have the knowledge) it is tempting – whether you are dealing with one or two small isolated projects, or even when managing a substantial estate – to carry out wholesale replacement of defective components or fittings that are nearing the end of their serviceable life. After all, new components can be bought in bulk quite cheaply and the labour cost of fitting, say, 50 new front doors might appear quite attractive when compared with a repairs strategy.

However, it is important to carefully consider repair before replacement, for the following reasons:

• Repair may offer a more ecologically sound solution than replacement.
• Even in some comparatively humble but old building stock many of the doors and windows may offer a design heritage, which is worth retaining and cannot be easily replicated by modern components.
• If you are willing to use modern repair methods (such as two-pack resins), then localised repairs can be carried out that could not be effected using traditional timber repair methods.

Defective sash windows are a good example. There are many sash windows still in existence (100 years old or more) but, given the method of construction, replacement of these windows can be an expensive option.

However, they are very much part of the British style of construction. Where these windows have been replaced either piecemeal or wholesale the whole aspect of a building’s elevation can be dramatically altered. If a building is listed, the windows are an integral element of that status, so repair is essential.

Sash windows are relatively efficient in use and, though reasonably easy to repair, this can be time consuming (with associated labour costs – see below). They are prone to rattling and draughts if the work is not done correctly. If your contractor does not have the necessary skills, consider a specialist repair company.

If you are carrying out refurbishment or alteration works, which are subject to Building Regulations, remember to check against the current Building Regulations or appropriate British Standards. For example, Part M of the Building Regulations relates to access to buildings; Part B to fire resistance – see Building Control. It is not always possible to make old components comply with modern regulations/standards, but it can sometimes be done.