How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Many older buildings have beautiful windows made of timber. However, if they are not maintained properly and painted regularly, they may be damaged and stop functioning properly.

The correct methods will make it easier to door repair rotting timber in window frames. There are many different methods of rot treatment available with some of them more effective than others.

Examine the overall condition

The timber windows will degrade over time because of exposure to the elements, and also the damp in your home. Unchecked, this can lead directly to timber rot.

It is crucial to act swiftly when you notice that your wooden windows are damaged. In the absence of action, rotten timber will cause it to get worse over time especially when winter arrives. Even if your windows made of wood are in poor condition you can still fix them. You'll have to invest some extra time and effort.

It is important to take into consideration that different repair methods are suitable for different scenarios when assessing the general condition of the window. For example, splicing in fresh timber is a viable method of repairing windows rotten sections of your window frame made of timber. This is only suggested in the event that the rotten area of your window isn't larger than the size of a certain amount. If the section that is rotten of your window is too big it could be required to replace the entire sash.

First, you'll need to check your windows made of timber. You must look for indications of damp, rot and damage to the frame or sills. If you're not sure of what to look for, you can have a professional conduct a thorough inspection of your window frames.

Wear protective gloves while working in this. Splintered and cracked window glass can be hazardous. It's also a good idea to have a ladder on hand and a person to hold it.

One of the most common reasons why timber windows begin to decay is because they're exposed to penetrating damp in your home. The penetration of damp can cause your windows to decay, which could lead to serious issues such as dry or wet rot. It is essential to have your windows fixed as soon you suspect that they are impacted by the penetration of moisture. This will not only help to keep from further damage to your timber windows but also protect the rest of your home from damp and rot.

Cleaning the Frames

Timber windows are durable and durable, however they must be cleaned and maintained regularly. They may deteriorate and lose their functionality if you don't. This could lead to rot to grow, mould, and the need for repairs.

To begin cleaning your wooden window frames, you can use a damp cloth and some washing liquid. This will eliminate any dust or dirt that has built up on the frame. If there are any stains or marks that don't go away, you can use a soft brush with the use of a small amount of water and washing up liquid to gently scrub them off.

It is also recommended to clean the glass panes and handles and hinges. Once the frames have been cleaned, you can start any repairs or renovations. If your hinges aren't working properly or the silicone around them is starting to pull away from the frame, you must make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

After any filler or splice repair is dry, it's important to give it an even sanding before painting. This will smooth the surface and give it a uniform appearance. It is recommended to use a wood stain or varnish specifically designed for timber windows as they provide the best finish and protection.

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

It's time to paint the window after it's been completely sanded. This is best done on a day that has no rain or wind forecast. It's also worth making sure that you're using high-quality exterior-grade stain or paint suitable for timber. Once the paint is dry, you can lightly sand it with fine sandpaper, then wash off any dust.

Fill any cracks

The wood used in the construction of timber windows naturally expands and contracts based on the temperature, but this can be made worse by elements like water penetration, which leads to rot. It is therefore crucial to maintain the paint. Cracked and blistered paint allows water 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, causing the wood to warp and rot. Using modern timbers such as Accoya (which does not expand and contract so much) and coatings designed to handle this, will ensure an extended life span from your windows.

It is also important to fill any cracks that appear in your frames as soon as they appear, since ignoring them will result in the development of rot. Utilize a filler specifically designed for exterior use to fix any splinters, flakes, or tiny splits you might notice in your frames. Apply it liberally on the affected area. This will not only help to seal in moisture, but also aid to strengthen your frame.

In some cases, it may be required to replace a piece of the frame made of timber due to rot or damage. A professional carpenter can replace the piece of damaged timber with a brand new, well-seasoned piece. It is a good idea to have the new splice treated with dry rot treatment prior to when it is put into the window to stop further rotting, and to add strength to the frame.

After the splice is glued, and allowed to dry, you can sand down the repaired area to its original shape. Make sure that it is flush with the surrounding frame. This is why it can be helpful to keep several kinds of sandpaper in your arsenal, progressing from an extremely coarse grade to more smoother for the final finish.

It is worth remembering that timber windows can be quite costly to repair than their plastic or metal counterparts. It's important to check the overall condition prior to making any major changes. If you discover a large amount of decay, it's probably best to think about replacing the entire frame, rather than attempting to repair or re-glue individual components.

Paint

Timber windows can give character, charm and style to older properties, or repair timber windows can bring a rustic look to contemporary windows. They are considered more appealing than upvc window repairs and aluminum windows. However they require more care since the wood is more susceptible to damage. Unattended, timber casement and Sash windows can become damaged quickly and eventually have to be replaced. Careful repair and regular painting can extend the life of your wooden windows.

The first step is to take off the old paint. A power stripper is typically suggested, but you can make use of an old-fashioned paint scraper or wire brush too. After the paint is removed, you'll need to sand down the wood. This will give smoothness and will ensure that any dampness is not absorbed into the wood and cause decay.

After sanding process, it's time to begin painting. Paint on a dry, sunny day to allow the paint to dry quickly. Start with the hard-to-reach areas and work your way up the entire window frame. Be careful not to get your hands on the sash or sill, since it could cause oil based putty peel off.

The sill and sash areas should be allowed to dry for at least 2 weeks, but ideally an entire month. If you hurry this step then the putty won't dry and your window won't be as long-lasting.

While you wait for the sash and sill to dry it is worth looking at all the hardware, especially the hinges, lock levers, and lift pulls. You'll need to re-align and lubricate these for them to work correctly. Re-glue any loose joints and use a strong exterior grade adhesive for new joints.

Replacing timber windows is a major undertaking and expensive and therefore it is important to take into consideration the condition of your existing timber frames prior to investing in replacements. If you see a lot of wear and tear, or the timber is beginning to rot or rotting, then renovating it could be a better alternative. It can still be costly, but it is much cheaper than the total cost of replacing your existing windows.