How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Timber windows are a beautiful characteristic of many older buildings. If they are not regularly painted and properly maintained they could be damaged and cease to function properly.

It is possible to repair damaged wood in wooden window frames. It is quite simple with the proper methods. There are a variety of methods of treating rot available with some of them more effective than others.

Verify the overall condition

Over time, timber windows will begin to decay due to being exposed to the elements and damp inside your property. If not taken care of, this could lead directly to timber rot.

It is important to act quickly if you discover that your wooden windows are damaged. The delay in addressing the problem will result in it worsening over time, especially during winter when it's cold and snowy. It's not that difficult to fix timber windows, even if they're poor condition. You'll need some time and effort.

When assessing a window's overall condition, it is important to take into account the fact that various repair methods are appropriate for different situations. For instance, splicing fresh timber is a viable method of repairing upvc windows rotten sections of your window frame. However, this is only recommended if the rotten section of your window not too large. If the rotten part of your window is huge, you may need to replace the entire sash.

The first thing you'll need to take care of is to examine the condition of your timber windows. You should be looking for indications of damp and rot, along with damage to the sills and frame. If you're unsure what to look for, you can ask a professional to conduct a thorough examination of your windows made of timber.

Remember to wear heavy work gloves while doing this because splintered and cracked windows can be dangerous. It is also recommended to have an appropriate ladder and someone to hold the ladder steady.

Penetrating damp is one of the main reasons that timber windows degrade. The penetration of damp can cause your timber windows to rot, and this can lead to serious problems like dry or wet rot. If you believe that your windows made of timber are affected by penetrating damp it is essential to repair them as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage to the windows and protect your home against damp and mold.

Clean the Frames

Timber windows are robust and durable, but they must be cleaned and maintained regularly. If you don't do this, they could begin to degrade, impacting their look and functionality. This could lead to rotting, mould growth, and the need to repair them.

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

It is also recommended to clean the glass panes and hinges and handles. Once the frames are clean you can begin to do any repairs or modifications you may require. For example, if hinges have become loose or the silicone surrounding them has begun to separate, this needs to be addressed as soon as it is possible to avoid further damage.

After any repair or filler is dry, it's important to give the area an even sanding before painting. This will help smooth the surface and create an even appearance. It is recommended to make use of a stain or varnish made of wood that is designed specifically for windows made of wood. These will provide the most durable protection and finish.

After your windows made of timber have been sanded and painted, it's recommended to seal the edges with an oil-based sealant that is waterproof. This will prevent moisture from entering and damaging the timber over time.

Once the double glazing window repair is completely sanded, it's now time to paint. It's a good idea do this on a clear day with no rain or wind in the forecast. It is also recommended to use an exterior grade stain or paint suitable for wood. After the paint has dried you can lightly sand with fine sandpaper, then clean off any dust.

Fill any cracks that may appear

Water intrusion can cause rot in the wood of timber windows. It is therefore important to maintain the paint. Cracked or blistered paint allows water to infiltrate, which speeds up the process of deterioration. This is especially true in winter, when water freezes and causes wood fibres to break, leading to warping and rot. Modern timbers like Accoya (which does not expand and contract as much) and coatings designed to handle this, will give you a long service life from your windows.

Filling any cracks or splinters in your frames is essential because rotting can happen in the event that you don't take care. If you notice any flakes, splinters or small slits in your frames, it's best to apply a filler that has been designed for outdoor use, and apply it liberally on the affected area. This will not only help seal out moisture, but also strengthen your frame.

In some cases it is necessary to replace a section of the frame made of timber due to damage or rot. This can be done by an experienced carpenter who will take out the damaged section, treat it and then connect a new piece of well-seasoned timber on a like-for-like basis. It is a good idea to allow the new splice be treated with a dry-rot treatment prior to being put into the frame. This will stop further rotting, and add strength to the existing frame.

Once the splice has been put in place and allowed to be set, you can remove the repaired area to its original size making sure it's in line with the frame. This is why it can be beneficial to have various grades of sandpaper on hand, progressing from a coarse grade to an easier one to finish the job.

It is important to remember that timber windows are quite costly to fix than their metal and plastic counterparts, and it's therefore important to check the condition of the entire frame prior to making any major changes. If you find a significant amount of rot, it's probably best to consider replacing the entire frame rather than trying to repair and re-glue individual parts.

Paint

Timber windows give character, style and appeal to older homes They can also bring a cottage-style feel to newer homes. They are generally believed to be more appealing than upvc doors repairs or aluminium windows but they do require more attention as natural wood is prone to deterioration and may react to different weather conditions in a unpredictable manner. Unattended, Repair Timber Windows timber casement and sash double glazed windows repairs can deteriorate quickly and eventually require to be replaced. A careful repair and regular painting can extend the life of your wooden windows.

In the beginning, you'll have to strip the old paint. A power stripper is typically suggested, but you can use a paint scraper or wire brush as well. After all paint has been removed, you'll need sand the wood. This will give smooth finish and also ensure that any dampness is not absorbed into the wood and leading to the wood to rot.

Once the sanding is done it's time to paint. Ideally, you'll want to do this on a sunny and dry day so that the paint will dry quickly. Begin with the difficult-to-access areas and work your way around the entire window frame. When you get to the sill and sash areas make sure you don't be touching it as this can cause the oil-based putty to peel away.

The sill and sash areas must be left to dry for at least 2 weeks, but ideally an entire month. If you hurry this step then the putty won't set and your window won't be as durable.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, you should be taking a look at all the hardware. Pay particular attention to the hinges, the lock levers, and the pulls for lifting. To ensure that they work properly, you'll require realignment and oiling. It's also a good idea to glue any joints that have come loose, and use a durable adhesive for exterior use on any new joinery.

It is costly to replace wooden frames, so it is important to consider their condition before making the decision to buy new frames. If you notice a lot of wear and tear, or the timber is beginning to rot, then renovation may be an option. While it is costly however, the cost is lower than replacing all of your windows.