How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Timber windows are a beautiful characteristic of many older buildings. However, if they're not properly cared for and painted regularly, they may be damaged and stop working correctly.

It is possible to fix rotting wood in timber window frames. It can be quite straightforward with the right methods. There are many different methods of treating rot available with some of them more effective than others.

Verify the overall condition

The timber windows will degrade over time due to exposure to elements, and also the damp in your home. If not taken care of, this could result in rotting of the timber - and that's not good.

It is essential to act quickly if you discover that your wooden windows are damaged. Ignoring rotted timber will only make it worse especially when winter comes around. Fortunately, it's not impossible to repair your timber windows even if they're in pretty bad condition. You'll just need to invest more time and effort.

When assessing a window's general condition, it is important to consider the fact that different repair methods are appropriate for different situations. For example, splicing in fresh timber is a great method of repairing upvc windows rotten sections of your timber window frame. However, this method is only recommended if the damaged part of your window is not too big. If the area that is rotten in your window is very large it may be necessary to replace the entire sash.

You'll first need to inspect your windows made of wood. You should be looking for indications of damp and rot and damage to the frame and sills. If you're not sure of what to look for, you can ask a professional to carry out a full inspection of your timber windows.

Be sure to wear thick gloves for work, as cracked and splintered window glass can be dangerous. Also, you should have a ladder and someone who can hold the ladder steady.

One of the main reasons that timber windows will begin to decay is that they're exposed to penetrating damp inside your property. Penetrating moisture can cause windows to decay and lead to more serious problems such as wet or dry decay. It is crucial to have your timber windows repaired as soon you suspect that they are impacted by penetrating moisture. This will not only help stop further damage from occurring to your timber windows, but also safeguard the rest of your home from damp and rot.

Cleaning the Frames

Timber windows are durable and durable, but they do need to be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. If you don't, they could begin to degrade, impacting their look and function. This can lead to rotting, mould development and the need for repair work.

To begin cleaning your wooden window frames, use a damp cloth soaked in washing liquid. This will help to remove any dirt or dust that have accumulated on the frame. If there are any stubborn marks or stains that aren't going away or disappear, you can use a soft brush with only a little bit of water and washing liquid to gently scrub them away.

It is also recommended to clean the glass panes as well as handles and hinges. Once the frames are clean you can begin any doors repairs or improvements you may require. For instance, if you notice that hinges have become loose or windows repaired the silicone around them has started to pull away the silicone around them, it should be addressed as soon as it is possible to prevent further damage.

After the splice or filler has dried, it's important to lightly sand everything before painting. This will smooth the surface, and create a consistent look. It is recommended to use a wood stain or varnish that is specifically designed for timber windows as these will provide the most durable finish and provide protection.

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

Once the window is completely sanded, it's now time to paint. This is best done on a day with no rain or wind forecast. You should also choose an exterior grade stain or paint that is suitable for wood. Once the paint has dried it is recommended to lightly sand it with a fine sandpaper. Then, clean away any dust to ensure your windows are in good condition.

Fill Any Cracks

Water penetration can cause rot in the wood of timber windows. It is therefore important to keep the paint. Cracked or blistered paint can allow water to penetrate, which can accelerate the deterioration process. This is particularly true in the winter when water freezes and breaks down wood fibres, leading to warping and rot. Modern timbers, such as Accoya are not able to expand or contract as significantly, and the coatings created to cope with these conditions will ensure your windows a long lifespan.

It is also essential to fill any cracks that appear in your frames immediately, as ignoring them will cause the development of rot. If you find any flakes, splinters or small splits in your frames, it's recommended to apply a filler that has been designed for exterior use, and apply it liberally to 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 necessary for a piece of timber frame to be replaced due to decay. A skilled carpenter can replace the piece of damaged timber with a new well-seasoned and properly seasoned piece. It is recommended to treat the new splice with dry rot treatment prior to when it is put into the window shield repair, to prevent further rotting and add strength to the frame.

Once the splice is joined, and allowed to dry, you can sand down the repaired area back to its original shape. Be sure it is flush with the surrounding frame. It is helpful to have a variety of sandpaper grades available, from coarse to smoother for the final finish.

It is worth remembering that timber windows can be much more costly to repair than their plastic and metal counterparts, so it's crucial to evaluate the overall condition prior to making any major changes. If you discover a large amount of rot, then it is probably better to consider replacing the entire frame instead of trying to repair or re-glue individual parts.

Paint

Timber windows provide style, character and charm to older properties, or they can bring an old-fashioned look to modern homes. They are considered more appealing than upvc doors repair and aluminium windows. However they require more care because the wood is more vulnerable to damage. If left unattended, timber casement or windows made of sash can degrade quickly and eventually need to be replaced. Regular painting and careful repair can prolong the life of your timber windows.

First, you will need to remove the old paint. A power stripper is often recommended, but you could employ a paint scraper or a wire brush too. After the paint is removed, you will need to sand down the wood. This will allow for a smooth finish and ensure that any dampness is not absorbed into the timber and cause the wood to rot.

After sanding process, it's time to begin painting. Paint on a sunny, dry day so that the paint can dry quickly. Begin with the difficult-to-access areas and then work your way through the entire frame of your window. 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 must be left to dry for at least two weeks, but best an entire month. If you rush through this process the putty won't be able to be able to set and your window will be less durable.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, it's worth checking all the hardware. Be sure to pay attention to hinges and lock levers and the pulls for lifting. To ensure that they work correctly, you'll need to adjust them and lubrication. It's also an excellent idea to glue any joints that are loose, and use a durable exterior-grade adhesive on any new joints.

Replacing timber windows is a big project and costly, so it's important to take into consideration the condition of your current timber frames before you invest in replacements. If you can see signs of wear and tear, windows repaired or the wood is rotting, then renovation may be an option. It can still be costly, but it is much cheaper than the total cost of replacing your current windows.