How to Repair Timber Windows

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good working order, without swelling or rotting. Untreated and poorly maintained sash windows are susceptible to rattles, sticking, and drafts.

The first step is to look for areas of rot on the window frame. If the damage is severe it may be worth replacing the entire frame.

Examine the Condition

Wooden windows are an important part of many homes, providing an attractive natural aesthetic as well as a great deal of security. They are susceptible to damage and deterioration. The condition of timber windows, including sashes and frames should be inspected periodically to ensure they are functioning in the manner they are intended to.

Rot is among the most frequent problems window frames made of wood have to deal with. Wood rot is caused by excessive exposure to water which causes the wood to become soft and spongey. The good news is that rot can be treated and the wood returned to its original form with a bit of effort and patience.

The first step in assessing the condition of your wood windows is to check for any indications of damage or rot, such as cracks or loose parts. It's also worth checking the weather stripping on the windows to ensure they're properly sealed and preventing water infiltration.

It is important to check for softness in the event that you spot any rotting. You can test this by pressing them down with an instrument like a screwdriver, or your finger. Solid, healthy wood will be able to stand up to this pressure, whereas decaying wood will break easily. It's important to remember that in the event that the rot has gotten to a greater than 10% of the frame, Repair Timber Windows it's better to replace it rather than trying to windown repair it.

After the damaged sections of timber have been treated, sanding them down is the next step. Start with coarse-grit paper, then progress to finer grits. This will ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the remainder of the window. After sanding the area it is possible to prime it and then painted to make the repair windows invisible.

In certain cases, if the decay has been extensive and the wood is weak to be repaired, it might be required for a lintel be installed above the windows. It's structural support beam that helps support the weight of walls above the spaces in which timber frames are located. A lintel insertion can be done by a structural engineer and is a great way to stop the deterioration of windows made of timber in older homes.

Take the Glass off

If a window has been damaged, it's best to remove the frame and work on it, instead of working around the glass. This makes the job simpler. You'll want to shield yourself from the razor-sharp glass shards by wearing gloves and using a towel to wipe out each piece of glass. If you decide to save some pieces of glass, Repairing Upvc Windows wrap them in newspapers and dispose of them in a safe manner.

After you've removed your glass you can inspect the condition of the timber. It's a good idea apply a sponge or damp cloth to clean the frame, sash and any vents that you may have put in your windows. If there's lots of grime and dirt, then you'll be able to clean it. It is important to avoid putting chemicals or solvents inside the frame or sash since this could cause damage.

It is recommended to replace damaged parts when you see any indications of rust or corrosion on the hardware. This can improve the appearance and functionality of your windows, and also prevent the windows from jamming or squeaking when in use.

You'll also want to check whether the hinges are in good condition and move freely and there's no visible rot or water staining on the frames. If the hinges or sashes become difficult to open or close, it's usually a sign that they're worn or out of alignment and require adjustment.

Many timber window problems are caused by moisture and weather. Moisture uptake can cause local stress at the joint that is exposed to the gluing and result in them opening and opening up to let moisture in the frame. Moisture staining can be the result too.

Fortunately, modern woods like Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand more damage than standard timbers which is why it's a good idea to check with your chosen joinery supplier to determine which type of timber they can offer. It's important to get the correct timber, as different woods expand and contract at different rates, so choosing the wrong one could lead to the damage and a shorter duration for your windows made of wood.

Remove the old Putty

Wooden windows are a common feature in older structures. They can be fixed to look stunning and perform their functions in letting light in, blocking out rain and insulating. The frames of timber can begin to rot if they are neglected. Once this happens, the integrity of the windows is damaged and replacement could be necessary.

The first step is to examine the condition and quality of the frame and the glazing putty. This is the substance that is used to hold the glass panes in the wooden sash. It might not be possible for large pieces of wood to be saved, but they can be repaired and spliced to keep the rest of the window in good working order.

If you decide to repair the sash the next step is to take it from its carrying. Place it on a flat surface like an employee. It is a good idea to remove the handle and seals at this point too so that you can inspect their condition.

There are a variety of different products that can be used to loosen and remove old putty, but one of the best is to apply a small amount of household Chlorine Bleach mixed with raw Linseed Oil. This is liberally applied to the old putty and then left to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before scraping it away with a razor or chisel. It is often required to repeat the process several times to completely eliminate the old putty.

After removing the old putty, it is important to make sure that the frame and window are thoroughly cleaned to stop the entry of moisture. This could include sanding down and stripping paint layers with strippers that are gel-like or cutting out rotten sections of timber before splicing new ones. If a splice is required, then it should be treated and coated with a protective paint to avoid further damage.

After removing the old glass putty, it's now time to apply a new one to the window. It is best to use a good quality oil-based linseed putty because it is easier to sand. It will also give the upvc window repairs near me a nice, smooth finish. It is a good idea to roll out a small amount putty into an oval shape before applying it to the window frame. This will make it easier to apply the putty and will look more neat once it is in place.

Reattaching the Glass

Wooden windows are a long-term investment for your home and should be maintained regularly. If you neglect them for too long, and the frames may decay, which can affect the structure as well as the insulation and security of your home. However, rather than replacing the whole window it is often more cost-effective to repair them.

In the case of a broken pane of glass, the sash window can be repaired by removing the broken glass and then filling and re-glazing the window with the correct size of new glass. It is simpler to do 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 upwards, or inserted into a frame for windows that has been opened, and then to close it again.

The sash will be fixed by a glue or (typically in older timber windows) panel pins. When repairing an old historic window, it is important to choose materials that have a similar appearance so the repairs don't stick out as a sore thumb. Most modern caulks aren't appropriate for historic homes and should be avoided.

It is also essential to ensure that there aren't any traces of paint or putty left in the rabbet grooves where the glass sits in the sash window; they will block the glass from sizing properly. Make sure there are no obstructions to the sash within the window frame. This could cause leaks.

You can apply a piece of clear tape, or concealing tape, over the crack in order to secure it. This will also prevent the water from flowing through the crack. If glass is at risk of separating from the sash, a solvent-based glass glue may be used to fill in the crack and keep it in place.

If the sash or casing is in good condition then the issues with draughts, locks and hinges that are sticky can usually be corrected by cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're not confident about performing these simple tasks, a specialist joiner who is skilled in the overhauling of wooden windows could be able to assist.