How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows
Many older buildings have beautiful windows made of wood. If they aren't regularly painted and maintained, they can be damaged and stop working properly.
The correct methods can make it easy to repair rotting timber in window frames. There are a variety of methods of treating rot available, some more effective than others.
Examine the overall condition
Timber windows will deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements, and also the damp in your home. If not taken care of, this could cause rot in the timber.
It is essential to act swiftly when you discover that your windows made of wood are damaged. Ignoring timber rot will only result in it getting worse over time, particularly when the winter weather arrives. It's not that difficult to repair your timber windows even if they're in pretty poor condition. It's just a matter of investing more time and effort.
It is important to take into consideration that different repair techniques are appropriate for different scenarios when assessing the overall condition of the window. Repairing the rotten wood sections in your window frame is possible by splicing new timber into the frame. However, this technique is only recommended if the rotten section of your window is not too large. If the rotten part of your window is large it may be necessary to replace the entire sash.
The first thing you'll need to do is to examine the condition of your timber windows. You should be looking for indications of damp and rot, along with damage to the frame and sills. Ask a professional to inspect your windows made of timber if you aren't sure what to look for.
Wear gloves that are thick while working in this. Broken and splintered window glass can pose a risk. Also, you should have a ladder and someone who can hold the ladder steady.
Penetrating damp is one of the primary reasons why timber windows become damaged. Penetrating damp can cause your windows to decay and lead to more serious problems such as dry or wet decay. It's important to get your timber windows repaired whenever you suspect they are affected by the penetration of moisture. This will not only help to stop further damage from occurring to your windows made of timber, but it will also protect your home from rot and damp.
Cleaning the Frames
Timber windows are durable and durable, but they must be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. If you don't, they could begin to degrade which can affect their appearance and performance. This could lead to rotting, mould development and the need for repairs.
To begin cleaning your wooden window frames, use a damp cloth and some washing liquid. This will eliminate any dirt or dust that has built up on the frame. If there are stubborn stains or marks that won't go away then use a soft brush with a little water and washing liquid to gently scrub the area.
You should also wipe down any glass panes and also the handles and hinges. After the frames have been cleaned, you can begin any repairs or renovations. For instance, if hinges have become loose or the silicone surrounding them has begun to sag it is important to get this fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
After the filler or splice is dry, it's crucial to lightly sand the entire surface before painting. This will glass window repair smooth the surface and create a uniform appearance. It is recommended to make use of a stain or varnish made of wood that is specifically designed for windows made of wood. They will give you the highest level of protection and finish.
After your windows made of timber have been sanded and painted, it's an ideal idea to seal the edges with a waterproof sealant. This will prevent moisture from entering and damaging the timber over time.
It's time to start painting the window once it has been completely sanded. This is best done on a day with no wind or rain forecast. It's also important to make sure that you're using a top-quality exterior-grade stain or paint that's suitable for wood. After the paint has dried you can lightly sand with fine sandpaper, then scrub off any dust.
Fill any cracks
Water intrusion can cause rot in the timber of windows made of timber. This is why it is essential to maintain paint maintenance - cracked and blistered paint allows water to enter, which speeds up degrading. This is especially true during the winter months, when water freezes and breaks down wood fibres, which can cause the wood to warp and decay. Modern timbers like Accoya (which doesn't expand and contract as much) and coatings that are specifically designed to withstand this, will give you a long service life from your windows.
It is also essential to fill any cracks in your frames right away, as neglecting them can result in the development of rot. Make use of a filler made for exterior use to fix any flakes, splinters, or tiny splits you might notice in your frames. Apply it evenly on the affected area. This will not only seal in moisture, but also help to strengthen your frame.
In certain situations, it could be necessary for a piece of timber frame to be replaced due to rot. A professional carpenter can replace the section of damaged timber with a brand new well-seasoned and fully-seasoned piece. It is recommended to treat the new splice with a dry rot treatment before it is inserted into the window, in order to avoid further rotting and add strength to the existing frame.
Once the splice has been put in place and allowed to be set, it is now possible to sand the repaired area down to its original size making sure it's aligned with the frame. It is beneficial to have a variety of sandpaper grades available, from coarse to smoother for the final finish.
Remember that wood windows are more costly to fix than those in plastic or metal. It's important to check for any damage prior to beginning major work. If you notice an abundance of rot within the frame, it's probably better to replace the entire frame instead of attempt to repair and re-glaze every component.
Paint
Timber windows add character, style and appeal to older homes They can also bring a cottage-style feel to newer homes. They are regarded as more appealing than uPVC and aluminium windows. However they require more maintenance because the wood is more susceptible to damage. If left unattended, timber casement and windows made of sash can degrade quickly and eventually need to be replaced. Regular painting and careful repair can extend the life of your wooden windows.
First, you will need to take off the old paint. You can also employ a wire brush or paint scraper. Once all the paint has been removed, you'll need to smooth the wood. This will give the wood an even, smoother surface and stop moisture from getting into the wood and causing it to rot.
After sanding, it's now time to start painting. Ideally, you'll want to do this on a dry and sunny day, so that the paint will dry quickly. Start with the areas that are difficult to reach and work your way up the whole window frame. Be careful not to touch the sash area or sill, because it could cause oil based putty peel off.
The sill and sash regions should be allowed to dry for a minimum of two weeks, but best an entire month. If you rush through this step the putty will not be able to set and your window will become less durable.
While you wait for the sash and sill to dry, it's worth taking a look at all the hardware, particularly the hinges, lock levers and lift pulls. You'll need to realign and lubricate these for them to work correctly. It's also a good idea to glue any joints that are loose, and then use a strong external-grade adhesive on new joints.
Replacing timber windows is a huge task and costly and therefore it is crucial to assess the condition of your existing timber frames before you invest in replacements. Renovation may be the better option if you see signs of wear and tear or decaying timber. It's still expensive however it's much less than the full cost of replacing your current windows.