How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Many older buildings have beautiful timber windows. If they are not regularly maintained and painted they may be damaged and stop functioning properly.

The correct techniques will make it easier to repair the rotting wood in window frames. There are a variety of methods of rot treatment available that are more effective than others.

Check the general condition

As time passes, windows made of timber will begin to deteriorate because they are exposed to the elements and damp in your home. Unchecked, this can cause rot in the timber.

If you notice that your windows made of wood have been damaged, it is imperative to act swiftly. In the absence of action, rotten timber will cause it to get worse over time, particularly when winter comes around. Even if your windows made of wood are in a bad state, you can still repair them. You'll need to put in a bit more time and effort.

It is crucial to think about different repair techniques are suitable for different situations when evaluating the general condition of the window. For instance, splicing fresh timber is a great method of repairing rotten sections of your timber window frame. This is only suggested when the rotten portion of your window isn't larger than the size of a certain amount. If the part that is rotten of your window is huge it may be necessary to replace the entire sash.

The first thing that you'll have to do is thoroughly examine the condition of your timber windows. You must look for indications of damp, rot and damage to the frame or sills. Ask a professional to inspect your windows made of timber if you are unsure of what to look for.

Wear gloves that are thick when doing this. Broken or splintered windows glass can pose a risk. Also, you should have a ladder and someone to steady the ladder.

Penetrating damp is among the main reasons that timber windows deteriorate. Permeating damp can cause your double glaze window repair glazed windows repairs; great post to read, to rot and result in more serious issues like wet or dry decay. If you suspect that your windows made of timber are being affected by damp penetrating them it is essential to repair them as soon as you can. This will prevent further damage to your windows made of timber and also protect your home from damp and decay.

Clean the Frames

Timber windows are durable and durable, but they have to be maintained regularly. If you don't do this, they may begin to lose their luster in appearance and performance. This could result in rotting, mold growth and the need to repair them.

To begin cleaning your wooden window frames, use a damp cloth soaked in washing liquid. This will get rid of any dirt or dust that has built up on the frame. If there are stubborn marks or stains that won't go away then use a soft brush with a bit of water and washing liquid to gently scrub the area.

It is also recommended to clean the glass panes, as well as hinges and handles. Once the frames are cleaned, you can begin any repairs or renovations. For instance, if hinges have become loose or the silicone around them is beginning to pull away, this needs to be repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage.

After the splice or filler is dry, it's essential to lightly sand the surface before painting. This will smooth the surface, and create a consistent look. It is recommended to apply a wood stain or varnish that is specifically designed for windows made of timber as they provide the best finish and provide protection.

It's also recommended to apply a waterproof sealant around the edges of your timber windows after they've been sanded and painted. This will stop moisture from entering and damaging the wood over time.

Once the upvc window repair near me is completely cleaned, it's time to paint. This is best done on a day when there is no rain or wind forecast. It is also recommended to use an exterior grade stain or paint that is suitable for wood. Once the paint is dry you can lightly sand it again with some fine sandpaper, and then remove any dust to ensure your windows look great.

Fill any cracks

Water penetration can cause rot in the wood of timber windows. It is therefore essential to keep the paint. Cracked or blistered paint can allow water to infiltrate, which speeds up the process of deterioration. This is particularly true in the winter months when water freezes and causes the breakdown of wood fibres, which can cause cracks and rot. Modern timbers like Accoya (which does not expand or contract as much) and coatings that are designed to handle this, will give you an extended life span from your windows.

It is also important to fill any cracks that appear in your frames immediately, as ignoring them will result in the development of rot. Make use of a filler made for use on the outside to fix any splinters, flakes, double glazed windows repairs or small splits that you discover in your frames. Apply it liberally on the affected area. This will not only stop moisture, but also aid to strengthen your frame.

In certain situations it is required to replace a piece of the frame because of rot or damage. This can be done by an experienced carpenter who will remove the damaged piece and treat it, then splice in a new piece of well-seasoned timber in a similar way. It is recommended that the new splice be treated by a dry-rot treatment prior being put into the frame. This will prevent further rotting, and add strength to the existing frame.

After the splice is glued, and allowed to dry, you can sand down the repaired area to its original shape. Be sure it is in line with the surrounding frame. It is helpful to have different grades of sandpaper available, from coarse to a smoother final finish.

It is worth remembering that wooden windows are much more costly to fix than their metal and plastic counterparts. It's essential to assess the overall condition prior to making any major changes. If you notice a lot of rot in the frame, it's better to replace the entire frame rather than try to repair and reglue each part.

Paint

Timber windows add character, style and appeal to older homes, or they can bring an old-fashioned look to modern homes. They are generally believed to be more appealing than upvc window repairs or aluminium windows, but they do require more care as the natural wood is susceptible to deterioration and may react with different weather conditions in a sporadic manner. If left unattended, timber windows, including sash windows, are susceptible to deterioration and may eventually require replacement. Regular painting and maintenance can extend the life of your wooden windows.

Firstly, you'll need to strip the old paint. A power stripper is typically suggested, but you can use an old-fashioned paint scraper or wire brush as well. After the paint is removed, you will need to sand down the wood. This will give the wood a a smoother finish and prevent dampness from getting into the wood and leading to it rotting.

After sanding, it's time for painting. You'll want to paint on a sunny, dry day so that the paint will dry quickly. Start by working your way through the entire frame of your window beginning with the most difficult-to-access areas. When you are at the sill and sash area ensure that you do not touch it, because this could cause the oil-based putty to peel away.

The sill and sash windows repair areas should be left to dry for at least 2 weeks, but it is best to leave it for an entire month. If you rush this process then the putty won't be able to set and your window will not be as durable.

While you wait for the sash and sill to dry it is worth having a look at all the hardware, especially the hinges, lock levers, and lift pulls. You'll need to re-align and lubricate these in order to make sure they work properly. It's also a good idea to glue any joints that are loose and use a strong external-grade adhesive on new joinery.

Replacing windows made of wood is a big task and costly and therefore it is important to consider the condition of your existing timber frames before you invest in replacements. If you can see the signs of wear and tear or the timber is rotting or rotting, then renovating it could be a better alternative. It's not cheap however, it's far less than the full cost of replacing your existing windows.