How to Repair Timber Windows

To ensure that timber windows remain functional and free from swelling and rotting they require regular maintenance. If sash is not properly maintained and treated, windows may suffer from rattles, sticking, and drafts.

Look for areas that are rotten on the window frame. If the rot is extensive it might be worth looking into replacing the entire frame.

Verify the Condition

Windows made of wood are an essential component of many homes, offering an appealing natural look and lots of security. However, they can be susceptible to deterioration and damage and the condition of timber windows and sashes must be regularly assessed to ensure they function in the way they were designed to.

One of the major issues facing timber window frames is rot. The cause of wood rot is excessive exposure to water, which can cause the wood to soften and become spongy. The good news is that rot can be treated and the wood returned to its original form with a little effort and perseverance.

The first step in assessing the condition of your wood windows is to search for any indications of rot or other damage like cracks or loose parts. Check the weather stripping on the windows to ensure that they are properly sealed to stop water from entering.

It's important to test for softness in the event that you spot any signs of rotting. This can be done by pressing down on the wood using the help of a screwdriver or your fingers. Healthy, solid wood will be able to resist this pressure. Wood that is rotting will quickly break down. It is crucial to remember that if the rot has spread to more than 10 percent of the frame, it is better to replace it instead of trying to repair it.

After the timber sections that have been damaged have been treated, sanding them down is the next step. Start with coarse-grit paper, then move on to finer grits. This will ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the rest of the window. After sanding, it can be primed, then painted to make the repair invisible.

In some cases if the rotting has been severe and the wood is too weak to repair, it may be necessary to have a lintel be placed over the windows. This is structural support beam that helps support the weight of walls over the spaces in which timber frames are located. A lintel insertion can be done by a structural engineer and it's an excellent way to avoid the degrading of timber Windows Repairing in older buildings.

Take the Glass off

When a window is broken it is recommended to remove it from the frame and work around it, instead of working around the glass. This makes the job much easier. You'll want to protect yourself from the razor sharp shreds by wearing gloves as well as using a towel to wipe out each piece of glass. If you do end up saving some fragments, make sure you wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them carefully.

After you've removed your glass, you can check out the condition of the wood. It's recommended to use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the frame as well as the sash, and any vents you may have installed in your windows. If there's a lot of dirt and grime then you'll be able to remove it. Avoid getting solvents or chemicals in the frame and sash since this could cause damage.

If you see any signs of corrosion or rust on the hardware then it's best to take out and replace the damaged part. This will enhance the appearance and function of your window and prevent the window repair from jamming and squeaking.

Check that the frames and hinges are in good shape and that they can are able to move freely, and that there's no visible signs of rot on the frames. If the hinges or sashes are difficult to open or close it's usually a sign that they're damaged or out of adjustment and require adjustments.

A majority of window problems are the result of weather and moisture. Moisture uptake creates local stress in the exposed glued joints, which can result in them opening and allowing moisture in the frame. This can lead to moisture staining.

Thankfully, modern timbers such as Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand a lot more damage than traditional timbers and therefore it's worth checking with the company you choose to work with to find out what timbers they can offer. It is essential to select the correct wood, as different kinds of wood expand and contract at different rates. Selecting the wrong type could cause damage and reduce the life expectancy of your new windows made from timber.

Remove the old Putty

Windows made of wood are an indisputable feature of many older buildings and, if properly examined and repaired can be made to look stunning and serve important purposes such as letting light in and rain, as well as ensuring good insulation. Timber frames can rot if they are neglected. When this happens, the strength of the windows is compromised and replacement is required.

The first thing to be completed is to thoroughly check the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the substance that holds glass panes to the wooden sash). If large sections of timber are severely damaged it might not be feasible to save them, however they can often be connected and then treated to ensure that the remainder of the upvc window repair kit remains functional.

If you decide to repair the sash the next step is removing it from its holder. Place it on a flat surface, similar to a workmate. It is recommended to remove the handle and seals at this point too to allow you to check their condition.

There are many different products that can be mixed with raw linseed oil in order to loosen old putty. This is liberally applied to the old putty, and then left to sit for 15 to 20 mins before scraping it off with either a chisel or a razor. It is often necessary to repeat this process several times in order to completely remove the old putty.

After you have removed the old putty, you have to make sure that the window shield repair and windows Repairing frame are thoroughly cleaned to prevent moisture penetration. This could include sanding, stripping paint using gel type removers or even cutting out damaged timber sections and splicing them into new ones. If a splice has to be made, it should first be treated with a protective paint and then painted.

Once all the old putty is removed it is time to apply some fresh glazing putty to the window. A high-quality Linseed oil putty is recommended as it is much easier to sand and provide an attractive finish to the window. It is a good tip to roll out a small amount putty and then form the shape of a sausage before applying it to the window frame. This will make it easier to apply the putty and look more neat once it is in place.

Reattaching the Glass

Wooden windows are a long term investment for your home and must be maintained regularly. If you neglect them for too long the frames will begin to decay and impact the structure, security and insulation of your home. But, instead of replacing the whole window it is more economical to repair them.

If a broken pane of glass is found, it can be repaired using the correct size glass. The old glass should first be removed and the new glass put in. This is simpler to do if you take the window out of its casing. It can be then pinned on a surface with the caulked-side of the window facing upwards or put inside a frame that's been opened and secured and closed.

The sash is secured using putty, or (in older timber windows), panel pins. It's important to choose materials that look similar when repairing an older historic window. This will allow the repairs blend into the existing decor and not be noticed. Most modern caulk products are not suitable for historic homes and should be avoided.

The new glass will not fit properly if there is traces of putty or paint in the grooves for rabbets. Also, ensure that there is no debris in the frame or around the frame that could cause leaks.

A piece of clear tape or concealing tape could be applied over the crack to hold it in place and to stop water from entering a gap that might create. If glass is at risk of falling off from the sash, solvent-based glue for glass can be used to fill in the crack and hold it in the position it is in.

If the casing or sash is in good condition then the problems with draughts, sticky hinges and locks are usually fixed by cleaning and lubricating them, as well as painting. If you're not confident about carrying out these basic tasks, a professional joiner who specialises in reworking wooden windows might be able help.