How to Repair Timber Windows

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain functional, without swelling or rotting. Sash windows that aren't well maintained or treated may be prone to rattling or sticking.

The first step is to check for rotted areas of the window frame. If the rot is extensive it is worth looking into replacing the entire frame.

Verify the condition

Wooden windows can be beautiful additions to any home. They offer natural beauty and a high level of security. They are susceptible to damage and deterioration. The condition of timber window frames, and sashes, should be assessed periodically to ensure they are functioning in the way they were intended to.

One of the major problems facing window frames made of timber is decay. Wood decay can be caused by excessive water exposure which can cause wood to become soft and spongy. The good news is, the rot can be dealt with perseverance and dedication.

The first step to evaluate the condition of your timber windows is to check for any indications of decay or other damage, such as cracks or broken parts. Check the weather stripping of the windows to ensure they are properly sealed to stop water from entering.

If you notice any areas of rotting It is important to test them for suppleness. This can be done by pressing down on the wood using the help of a screwdriver or your fingers. Healthy, solid wood can withstand this pressure, while rotting wood will give way easily. If the rot is more than 10%, it's better to replace the frame, rather than try to repair it.

Once the damaged sections of the timber have been treated, it's time to smooth them down. It's best to start with a sandpaper that is coarse in grit before moving on to finer grits until the repaired section is smooth and blends seamlessly into the remainder of the window. After sanding, the repaired area is primed and painted to ensure that the repair window is invisible to the naked eye.

In certain cases where the rotting is serious and the timber is too weak to be repaired, it might be necessary to put an lintel installed over the window. This is an structural support beam that helps support the weight of walls above the cavity in which the frames of timber are. A structural engineer can put in a lintel to prevent the decay and decay of old timber windows.

Remove the Glass

When a window is broken it's best to remove it from the frame and work on the broken glass instead of working around the glass. This makes the job much easier. You'll want to protect yourself from sharp shards by wearing gloves and using a towel when wiggling out every piece of glass. If you end up saving some pieces of glass, be sure you wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in a safe manner.

Once you've removed the glass, you can check out the condition of the timber. It's recommended to employ a sponge or damp cloth to wipe down the frame or sash as well as any vents that you may have installed in your windows. If there's lots of dirt and grime, then you'll be able to get rid of it. It is essential to ensure that you don't introduce any chemicals or solvents into the frame and sash, as this can cause damage.

It is best to replace any damaged components when you see any indications of rust or corrosion on the hardware. This can improve the appearance and function of your windows, and also prevent them from jamming or squeaking in service.

Also, you should ensure that the hinges are intact and that they move freely and that there's no visible signs of rot or water staining on the frames. If the hinges or sashes become difficult to open or close then it's usually a sign they're damaged or out of adjustment and require readjusting.

Many timber window issues are caused by weather and moisture. Moisture uptake creates local tension in the glued joints, which can cause them to open and allowing moisture to penetrate the frame. This can also lead to moisture staining.

Fortunately, modern woods like Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand more damage than standard timbers and therefore it's worth checking with your chosen joinery supplier to see which timber they can offer. It's crucial to choose the right timber as different woods expand and contract at different rates, and choosing the wrong type of wood could cause the damage and a shorter duration for your windows made of wood.

Take off the old Putty

Windows made of wood are an indisputable feature of many older buildings and if inspected and carefully repaired, they can look beautiful and serve their important functions such as letting light in, keeping out rain and providing insulation. If they are not maintained wooden frames are subject to wood rot and when this happens, the structural integrity of the window is compromised and a replacement may be required.

The first step is to examine the condition and quality of the frame as well as the glazing putty. It is the material that is used to hold the glass panes in the wooden sash. It might not be feasible for large pieces of wood to be saved, but they can be spliced and treated in order to keep the remainder of the window functioning.

If you decide to repair the sash, the next step is to remove it from its carrier. Set it on a flat surface, similar to an employee. You might also want to take off the seals and handle at this time so you can check them.

There are many different products that can be mixed with Linseed oil to break up old putty. This is applied liberally to the old putty, and left to settle for about 15 or 20 minutes before scraping it off with the chisel or razor blade. This process must be repeated several times to get rid of all the old putty.

After removing the old putty, you'll need to thoroughly clean the double glaze window repair and frame to prevent moisture from entering. This could include sanding down or stripping paint layers using strippers that are gel-like or cutting off rotten sections of timber before splicing new ones. If a splice is required, then it should be treated and coated with a protective paint in order to prevent further damage.

After removing the old glass window repair putty, you can apply a new one to the window. A good-quality Linseed oil putty is recommended since it is easier to sand, and will give an attractive finish to the window. Before applying the putty it is a good idea to roll it out and create an "sausage" shape that will be easy to apply and tidy in appearance when it is placed on the window frame.

Reattaching the Glass

Wooden windows are an investment that will last for a long time. They should be maintained regularly. Neglect them for too long and the frames can rot which affects the structure as well as the security and insulation of your home. Repairing windows is usually cheaper than replacing it.

If there is a broken pane of glass, the sash window can be repaired by removing the damaged glass, then filling it with new glass and re-double glazing windows repair the opening with the appropriate size of the new glass. It is easier to accomplish this if the window can be removed from its casing; it can be clamped down on a work surface with the caulked side of the window facing up, or put into a window frame that's been opened, and then to close it again.

The sash window repair will be held in place by putty or (typically in older timber windows) panel pins. When you repair an old historic window, it's essential to use materials that are similar in appearance so the repairs to upvc windows (thewrightbeef.com blog entry) don't stick out as a sore thumb. Most modern caulks are not suitable for homes with historical architecture and should be avoided.

It is also important to ensure that there aren't any traces of putty or paint in the rabbet grooves where the glass is set in the sash windows; these will prevent the new glass from sitting properly. Be sure that there is no obstructions around the sash or in the window frame. This could lead to a leak.

You can put a piece of clear tape, or concealing tape, over the crack to keep it in place. This will also stop the water from flowing through the crack. If the glass is in danger of being detached from the sash, solvent-based glass glue can be used to fill in the crack and keep it in place.

If the sash or casing is in good condition then the problems with draughts, locked hinges, and sticky locks are usually fixed by cleaning or repairs to uPVC windows lubricating the area and painting. If you are not confident about tackling these simple maintenance tasks yourself and are looking for a joiner or a company that is specialized in overhauling windows made of timber could be able to help.