How to Repair Timber Windows

To ensure that timber windows remain in good working order and free of swelling and rotting they require regular maintenance. Sash windows that aren't treated or poorly maintained can be prone to rattling and sticking.

Check for rotted areas on the window frame. If the damage is severe it could be worth replacing the entire frame.

Examine the condition

Wooden windows are an important element of a lot of homes, providing an appealing natural look and a great deal of security. They are susceptible to damage and deterioration. The condition of timber window frames, and sashes should be inspected frequently to ensure that they continue to perform in the intended manner.

One of the biggest problems that timber window frames face is decay. Wood rot is caused by excessive exposure to water which can cause the timber to soften and become spongy. The good news is that it is treatable with patience and effort.

The first step in assessing the condition of your timber windows is to search for signs of decay or other damage, such as cracks or loose parts. It's also worth checking the weather stripping that is on the windows to ensure that they're properly sealed and preventing water infiltration.

It is important to check for softness in the event that you spot any signs of rotting. You can test this by pressing down with a screwdriver, or even your finger. A healthy, solid wood can withstand this pressure, while rotting wood will give way easily. It is important to keep in mind that in the event that the rot has gotten to a greater than 10 percent of the frame, it will be better to replace it rather than making repairs.

After the damaged areas of the timber have been treated, it's time to sand them down. It is best to begin with a sandpaper that is coarse in grit and then move to finer grits until your repaired area is smooth and blends seamlessly into the rest of the window. After sanding the damaged area, it can be primed, then painted to make the repair double glazing window invisible.

In certain cases, if the rotting has been severe and the wood is too weak to windown repair, it may be necessary for a lintel to be installed above the windows. This is a beam that's designed to support the weight of the walls over the spaces where the frames of timber sit. The lintel installation can be carried out by a structural engineer, and Repair Timber Windows it's an excellent way to avoid the degrading of timber windows in older homes.

Take the Glass off

It's easier to deal with broken glass when you remove the frame from the window. This makes the job easier. Wear gloves and a towel to shield your hands from the razor-sharp shards. If you end up saving a few fragments, make sure to wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in a safe manner.

After removing the glass, you must inspect the condition of the wood. It's a good idea to apply a sponge or damp cloth to wipe down the frame, sash and any vents that you may have put in your windows. If there's a lot of grime and dirt, then you'll be able to remove it. It is essential to ensure that you don't get any solvents or chemicals into the frame and sash as they can cause damage.

It is best to replace any damaged components If you observe any signs of rust or corrosion on the hardware. This will improve the appearance and functionality of your window and stop the windows from jamming and squeaking.

Also, you should ensure that the hinges are intact, that they can move freely and there's no visible water staining or visible rot on the frames. If the hinges and sashes are hard to open or shut, this is typically a sign that they're worn-out or out of alignment, and need to be re-adjusted.

A majority of window problems are caused by weather and moisture. The uptake of moisture can cause local stress on the joint that is exposed and cause them to open and allowing moisture into the frame. Moisture staining can be the result too.

Modern timbers such as Accoya or Red Grandis are more resistant to damage than traditional woods. It is 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 selecting the wrong one could result in the damage and a shorter duration for your timber windows.

Remove the old Putty

Wooden windows are a typical feature in older structures. They can be repaired to make them look gorgeous and perform their functions that include letting light in, blocking out rain and insulating. The frames of timber can begin to rot when they are not properly maintained. When this happens, the integrity of the windows is damaged and replacement is necessary.

The first thing that needs to be done is to examine the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the material which holds glass panes in the wooden sash). It might not be possible for large portions of wood to be saved, but they can be cut and treated to keep the remainder of the window in good working order.

If you decide to proceed by making repairs, the next step is to remove the sash from its carrier and place it on a solid level surface such as an officemate. You might also want to remove the seals and handle at this point so that you can inspect them.

There are a variety of different products that can be used to loosen and remove old putty but one of the most effective is to use a bit of Household Chlorine Bleach mixed with raw Linseed Oil. The mixture is applied generously to the old putty, and let it sit for about 15 or 20 minutes before scraping it off with the chisel or razor blade. The process has to be repeated several times in order to remove all of the old putty.

After you have removed the old putty, you will need to thoroughly clean the window and frame to prevent moisture from entering. This might include sanding down and stripping paint layers with gel type strippers or even cutting out rotten sections of timber before splicing new ones. If a splice has to be made, it must first be protected with a paint before being painted.

After removing the old glass putty, it's time to apply a new one to the window. It is recommended to use a good quality linseed-oil putty, as it will be much easier to sand. It also gives the window a nice, smooth finish. Before applying the putty it is recommended to roll a small amount 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 many years. They must be maintained regularly. If you neglect them for a long time the frames will begin to rot and cause damage to the structure, security and insulation of your house. Repairing windows is usually cheaper than replacing it.

In the case of a broken pane of glass, the sash window repairman near me can be repaired by removing the old glass, and then filling and re-glazing it with the correct size of the new glass. It is much easier to do this if your window is removed from its casing it can be clamped down on an work surface with the caulked side of the window facing up, or put into a window frame that's been opened and then secured closed again.

The sash is secured with 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 help the repairs blend in and not be noticed. Most modern caulks are not suitable for historical homes and should be avoided.

It is also essential to make sure there are no traces of putty or paint in the rabbet grooves where the glass is set in the sash window. these can block the glass from fitting correctly. Also, make sure there isn't any debris in the sash window or around the frame which could cause leaks.

A piece of clear tape or concealing tape can be applied over the crack to hold it in place and stop water leakage through gaps that may form. If the glass is in danger of separating from the sash, solvent-based glass glue can be used to fill the crack and keep it in place.

If the casing and sash are in good condition and draughts are not a problem, they can be addressed through cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're not confident about tackling these simple maintenance tasks yourself then a joiner or a company that specialises in overhauling timber windows could be able to help.