How to Repair Timber Windows

To ensure that windows made of timber remain functional and free of swelling and rotting, they require regular maintenance. Sash windows that have not been treated or poorly maintained can be prone to rattling or sticking.

The first step is to search for areas that are rotten on the window frame. If the rot is severe it is worth looking into replacing the entire frame.

Check the condition

Wooden windows are a beautiful addition to any house. They offer natural beauty as well as a superior level of security. They can be susceptible to deterioration and damage. The condition of timber window frames, and sashes, should be assessed periodically to ensure they continue to perform in the way they were intended to.

Rot is among the most frequent problems timber window frames face. Wood is susceptible to rot due to excessive water exposure which can cause wood to soften and spongy. The good part is that the rot can be treated and the wood restored to its original state with some effort and patience.

The first step in assessing the condition of your timber windows is to check for any indications of rot or other damage like cracks or loose parts. It's also important to examine the weather stripping that is on the windows to ensure they're sealed properly and are preventing water infiltration.

It's important to test for softness in the event that you spot any rotting. This can be done by pressing down on the wood with a screwdriver or your finger. Solid, healthy wood will be able resist this pressure. Wood that is rotting will quickly break down. It is important to keep in mind that if the rot has spread to a greater than 10 percent of the frame it will be better to replace it instead of trying to repair it.

Once the damaged sections of the timber have been treated, it's now time to sand them down. Begin with coarse-grit papers, then move on to finer grits. This will ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly into the rest of the window. After sanding the area the area can be primed, then painted to hide the repair.

In certain cases, if the rotting has been severe and the wood is too weak to repair, it may be required for a lintel be inserted above the windows. This is a structural beam designed to support the weight of the walls above the spaces where the timber frames sit. A lintel insertion can be performed by a structural engineer and it's an excellent way to prevent the deterioration of windows made of timber in older properties.

Remove the Glass

It's easier to deal with broken glass when you remove the frame and window. This makes the task much simpler. Wear gloves and use a towel to protect your hands from the sharp shards. If you do end up saving some fragments, make sure you wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them carefully.

After you have removed the glass, you must inspect the condition of the wood. It's recommended to apply a damp cloth or sponge to clean the frame, sash and any vents you may have installed in your windows. You can begin to remove the dirt and grime when there's plenty. It is essential to ensure that you don't introduce any solvents or chemicals in the frame and sash, as they can cause damage.

It is best to replace damaged parts when you see any signs of corrosion or rust on the hardware. This can improve the look and functionality of your windows and stop the windows from jamming or squeaking in service.

Make sure that the hinges and sashes are in good condition and that they are able to are able to move freely, and that there is no visible signs of rot on the frames. If the hinges or sashes become difficult to open or close, it's usually a sign they're damaged or out of adjustment and require readjusting.

Many problems with timber windows are caused by weather and moisture. Moisture uptake creates local stress on the joints of the glued, which could result in them opening and allowing moisture in the frame. Staining from moisture could be a result of this too.

Modern timbers like Accoya or Red Grandis are more resistant to damage than standard woods. It's worth asking your joinery company what kinds of timbers they have available. It's crucial to choose the right timber as different woods expand and contract at different rates, so choosing the wrong type of wood could cause the damage and seal a shorter span for your new timber windows.

Remove the old Putty

Wooden windows are a permanent element of many older structures and, if they are inspected and properly repaired, they can look beautiful and serve important purposes such as letting light in and preventing rain from entering, as well as ensuring good insulation. If they are not maintained wooden frames are subject to wood rot and, once this happens, the structural integrity of the window is compromised and a replacement could be required.

The first thing to be taken care of is to examine the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the material that holds glass panes to the wooden sash). It might not be feasible for large sections of wood to be saved, however they can be cut and treated to keep the remainder of the window functioning.

If you decide to proceed with a repair, the next step is to unhook the sash from its carrier and place it on a level surface such as a workmate. It is a good idea to remove the seals and handle at this point, so that you can inspect their condition.

There are a variety of different products that can be used to remove and loosen old putty. One of the best is to apply a small amount of household Chlorine Bleach mixed with Raw Linseed Oil. The mixture is applied liberally to the old putty, and then left to sit for 15 to 20 mins before scraping it with a razor or chisel. 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 will need to thoroughly clean the frame and window to keep moisture from getting into. This could include sanding down and stripping paint layers with gel type strippers or even cutting off rotten pieces of timber before splicing new ones. If a splice is required then it must be treated and coated with a protective paint in order to prevent further damage.

After removing the old glazing putty, it's now time to apply a new one to the window. It is best to use a good quality oil-based linseed, since it will be much easier to sand. It will also give the window glass repair near me a nice, smooth finish. Before applying the putty, it is recommended to roll a little out and create an "sausage" shape that will be easy to apply and tidy in appearance once in position on the window frame.

Reattaching the Glass

Wooden windows are a good investment and will last for many years. They must be maintained regularly. If you don't take care of them for too long the frames will begin to decay and affect the structure, security and insulation of your home. But, rather than replacing the entire window, it is more economical to repair double glazed window them.

In the case of a broken pane of glass, the sash window repairs london window can be repaired by removing the damaged glass, then filling it with new glass and re-glazing it with the correct size of the new glass. It is easier to accomplish this if the window can be removed from its casing it can be firmly clamped on an area of work with the caulked side of the window facing upwards, or placed into a window frame that's been opened and then to close it again.

The sash is held in place using putty, or (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 that the repairs to double glazed windows don't stick out like a sore thumb. The majority of modern caulk products are not suitable for homes with historic architecture and should be avoided.

The new glass won't fit properly if there are traces of paint or putty in the grooves of the rabbet. Make sure there are no obstructions around the sash or in the window frame. This could lead to a leak.

A piece of clear tape or seal concealing tape could be placed over the crack to hold it in place and stop water leakage through a gap that might create. A solvent-based glass adhesive may also be used to fill and hold the glass in place when it is at risk of becoming detached from the sash.

If the sash and casing are in good condition and draughts are not a problem, they can be addressed by cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're not confident in tackling these basic maintenance tasks on your own then a joiner or a company that specialize in overhauling timber windows may be able to help.