How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Many old buildings have gorgeous windows made of timber. If they aren't regularly painted and maintained they may be damaged and stop working properly.

It is possible to repair the rotting wood that is in window frames. It is easy to do so with the right techniques. There are a variety of methods of treating rot available that are more effective than others.

Verify the general condition

Over time, the timber windows will begin to degrade due to being exposed to the elements and humidity in your home. If unchecked, this can lead to timber rot and that's not a good thing.

It is important to act swiftly when you notice that your windows made of wood are damaged. In the absence of action, timber rot can result in it getting worse over time, especially when the winter weather arrives. Even if your windows made of wood are in poor condition it is still possible to repair them. You'll need a little more time and effort.

When evaluating a window's overall condition, it is important to take into consideration the fact that different repair methods work in different scenarios. For example, splicing in fresh timber is an effective method of repairing upvc windows rotten sections of your window frame. This method is recommended only when the rotten portion of your window is not larger than an amount of. If the rotten section of your window is too large it might be required to replace the entire sash.

It is first necessary to examine your windows made of wood. Look for signs of rot, damp and damage to the sills or frame. Consult a professional to examine your timber windows if you aren't sure of what to look for.

Make sure you wear sturdy gloves for work, as cracked and splintered window glass can be dangerous. It's recommended to have a ladder on hand and someone to help steady it.

One of the main reasons that timber windows begin to decay is that they're exposed to penetrating damp inside your home. Permeating damp can cause your windows to rot, which can lead to serious problems such as dry or wet rot. It's important to get your timber windows repaired when you notice that they are affected by penetrating moisture. This will help prevent further damage to the windows and safeguard your home from damp and decay.

Cleaning the Frames

Timber windows are strong and durable but they need to be maintained regularly. They can deteriorate and lose their functionality if you don't. This can lead rot to grow, mould, and the need for repairs.

A good starting point for cleaning your window frames made of timber is to wipe them down with a damp cloth and a washing liquid. This will help remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the frame. If there are stubborn marks or stains that will not go away then use a soft brush with a small amount of water and washing liquid to gently scrub the area.

You should also wipe down any glass panes, as well as the handles and hinges. After the frames have been cleaned, you can start any repairs or renovations. If your hinges are loose or the silicone around them is beginning to pull away from the frame, it is best to repair double glazed window the issue as soon as you can.

After any repair or filler is dry, it's essential to give the area a light sand prior to painting. This will smooth the surface and create a uniform appearance. It is recommended that you make use of stain or varnish for wood specifically designed for timber windows. They will give you the best protection and finish.

It's also an excellent idea to apply a waterproof sealant on the edges of your timber windows once they have been painted and sanded. This will stop moisture from getting in and damaging the wood over time.

Once the window is completely sanded, it's now time to paint. It's a good idea paint the window glass repair on a sunny day with no rain or wind in the forecast. It's also important to make sure that you're using a top-quality exterior-grade stain or paint that is suitable for timber. Once the paint has dried, you should lightly sand it using some fine sandpaper and then clean away any dust to ensure your windows are looking great.

Fill any cracks that may appear

Water intrusion can cause rot in the wood of timber windows. It is therefore essential to keep the paint. Cracked and blistered paint allows water to penetrate, which can accelerate the deterioration process. This is especially true in winter when the water freezes and causes wood fibres to break which can cause warping and rot. Modern timbers, such as Accoya are not able to expand or shrink as much, and coatings that are designed to withstand these conditions will ensure that your windows a long lifespan.

Filling any cracks or splinters within your frames is crucial because rotting can happen in the event that you don't take care. If you find any splinters, flakes or tiny splits in your frames, it's best to fill them with a product that has been designed for outdoor use and apply it on the affected area. This will not only seal in moisture, but also help to strengthen your frame.

In some instances it is required to replace a piece of the frame made of timber because of rot or damage. A professional carpenter could replace the section of damaged timber with a brand new, properly seasoned piece. It is recommended to have the new splice treated with a dry rot treatment before it is placed in the window, to prevent further rotting and add strength to the existing frame.

After the splice is glued and dried, you can sand down the repaired area back to its original shape. Make sure it is in line with the surrounding frame. It is beneficial to have different grades of sandpaper available, from coarse to smoother for the final finish.

Keep in mind that wood windows are more expensive to doors repair near me than windows made in metal or plastic. It's important to check for damage before undertaking major work. If you find a significant amount of rot, windows repaired then it's best to consider replacing the entire frame rather than trying to repair and re-glue the individual components.

Paint

Timber windows can provide charm, character and style to older homes, or they can provide a rustic feel to contemporary windows. They are regarded as more appealing than uPVC and aluminium windows. However, they require more maintenance as the wood is more susceptible to damage. If left unattended timber windows like sash and casement can deteriorate quite rapidly and will eventually need replacing. Regular painting and careful repair can extend the life of your wooden windows.

First, you'll need strip the old paint. You can also use a wire brush or paint scraper. After the paint is removed, it is time to sand down the wood. This will give the wood a smoother surface and will stop moisture from getting into the wood and causing it to rot.

After the sanding, it's time for painting. Ideally, you'll want to do this on a dry and sunny day so that the paint will dry quickly. Work your way around the entire frame of the window beginning with the most difficult-to-access spots. When you reach the sash and sill area be sure not to contact it, because this could cause the oil-based putty to peel away.

The sill and sash regions should be allowed to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks, but it is best to leave it for an entire month. If you rush through this step, the putty won't be able to set and your window will become less durable.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, it's worth inspecting all the hardware. Be sure to pay attention to hinges and lock levers and the lift pulls. You'll need to re-align and lubricate them in order for them to work correctly. Re-glue joints that are loose and apply an exterior grade adhesive that is strong on new joints.

It's costly to replace timber frames, so it is important to consider their condition before making the decision to buy new frames. If you can see a lot of wear and tear, or the timber is rotting and needs to be replaced, then a renovation could be an option. While it may be costly, the cost is far less than replacing all your windows.