How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Many older buildings have beautiful timber windows. But, if not properly cared for and regularly painted they can be damaged and stop working properly.

It is possible to fix the rotting wood that is in window frames and it is quite simple with the right techniques. There are many different rot treatments that are available, some being more effective than others.

Examine the overall condition

The condition of windows in timber will change over time because of exposure to the elements, and damp in your home. If left unchecked, this could lead directly to timber rot.

If you find that your windows made of timber have become damaged it's important to act fast. Ignoring rotted timber will only make it worse especially when winter comes around. Fortunately, it's not impossible to fix timber windows, even if they're bad condition. It's just a matter of investing a bit more time and effort.

It's important to consider that different repair methods are suitable for different scenarios when assessing the general condition of a window. For instance, splicing fresh timber is a great method of repairing rotten sections of your window frame made of timber. This is only suggested when the rotten portion of your window is not larger than a certain size. If the area that is rotten in your window is large it may be necessary to replace the entire sash.

The first thing that you'll need to do is to examine the condition of your wooden windows. You should 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 carry out a full inspection of your window frames.

Make sure you wear sturdy gloves for door repairs work as splintered and cracked windows can be dangerous. It's also a good idea to have a ladder available and someone to steady it.

One of the primary reasons that timber windows begin to decay is that they're exposed to penetrating damp in your property. Penetrating damp can cause your windows to become rotted and can cause more serious issues such as dry or wet decay. It is crucial to have your timber windows repaired whenever you suspect they are impacted by the penetration of moisture. This will prevent further damage to timber windows and protect your home against damp and rot.

Clean the Frames

Timber windows are strong and durable, but they must be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. They may deteriorate and lose their effectiveness if you do not. This could lead to rot to grow, mould, and the need for door repairs to upvc windows (have a peek at this website).

To begin cleaning your wooden window repairing frames, apply a damp cloth with some washing liquid. This will remove any dirt or dust that has built up on the frame. If you notice any stubborn marks or stains that won't shift, you can use a soft brush with the use of a small amount of water and a washing up liquid to gently scrub them away.

Also, you should clean any glass panes, as well as the hinges and handles. After the frames have been cleaned, you can start any repairs or renovations. For example, if your hinges have become loose or the silicone around them has begun to pull away it is important to get this repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage.

Once the filler or splice repair is done, it's crucial to give everything a light sand prior to painting. This will help smooth the surface and give it a uniform appearance. It is recommended that you apply a stain or varnish made of wood that is designed specifically for windows made of wood. These will provide the best protection and finish.

After your windows made of timber have been sanded and painted it's a good idea for you to seal the edges with a waterproof sealant. This will prevent moisture from entering and causing damage to the wood in time.

When the window is fully sanded, it's now time to paint. This should be done on a day with no wind or rain forecast. It is also recommended to use a quality exterior-grade stain or paint suitable for wood. After the paint has dried it is recommended to lightly sand it using a fine sandpaper. Then, clean away any dust to ensure your windows are looking great.

Fill any Cracks

Water penetration can cause rot to the timber of windows made of timber. It is therefore important to maintain the paint. Cracked or blistered paint allows water to penetrate, which can accelerate the deterioration process. This is especially true in the winter months when water freezes and breaks down wood fibres, leading to the wood to warp and rot. Modern timbers such as Accoya, which does not expand or shrink as much, and coatings designed to cope with these conditions will ensure that your windows a long lifespan.

It is also crucial to repair any cracks in your frames right away, as not doing so can cause the development of rot. Utilize a filler specifically designed for exterior use to fix any flakes, splinters, or small splits that you notice in your frames. Apply it liberally on the affected area. This will not only stop water, but also strengthen your frame.

In some instances, it might be necessary for a piece of the frame to be replaced because of decay. This can be done by a professional carpenter who will take out the damaged piece, treat it and then splice in a new piece of well-seasoned timber in a similar way. It is a good idea that the new splice be treated with a dry-rot treatment before being inserted into the frame. This will stop further rotting, and add strength to the existing frame.

After the splice has been glued, and allowed to dry after which you can sand the repaired area back to its original shape. Be sure it is flush with the surrounding frame. This is where it could be beneficial to have various types of sandpaper available, progressing from the coarsest grade to a smoother one for the final finish.

Be aware that wooden windows are more expensive to fix than those in plastic or metal. It is essential to test for any damage prior to beginning major work. If you see an abundance of rot within the frame, it's probably best to replace the entire frame instead of attempt to repair window and re-glaze each component.

Paint

Timber windows add character, style and appeal to older buildings They can also bring an old-fashioned look to modern homes. They are considered more attractive than upvc window repairs and aluminum windows. However they require more maintenance because the wood is more susceptible to damage. If left unattended, timber windows, including sash windows, will begin to deteriorate quickly and will eventually need replacing. Regular painting and maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your timber windows.

First, you'll need strip the old paint. A power stripper is usually recommended, but you can employ a paint scraper or wire brush as well. After the paint has been removed, you will need to sand down the wood. This will give the wood a a smoother finish and prevent moisture from getting into the wood and leading to it rotting.

Once the sanding is done it's time to paint. You'll want to paint on a sunny, dry day to allow the paint to dry quickly. Work your way around the entire frame of the window, starting with the hardest-to-reach areas. When you reach the sash and sill area ensure that you do not be touching it because this could cause the oil-based glue to break off.

The sill and sash areas must be left to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks, but it is best to leave it for Door Repairs an entire month. If you hurry through this step the putty won't be able to set and your window will be less durable.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry it is worth looking at all the hardware, particularly the hinges, lock levers and lift pulls. To ensure that they work properly, you'll need realignment and lubrication. It's also recommended to glue any joints that have come loose and use a strong adhesive for exterior use on any new joints.

Replacing windows made of wood is a major undertaking and expensive, so it's important to take into consideration the condition of your current timber frames prior to investing in replacements. If you notice a lot of wear and tear or the wood is rotting, then renovation may be an alternative. While it may be costly but the expense is much less than replacing all your windows.