How to Repair Timber Windows

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain functional, without swelling and rotting. Sash windows that have not been well maintained or treated may be prone to rattling or sticking.

Check for rotted areas on the window frame. If the rot is excessive it might be worth considering replacing the whole frame.

Examine the Condition

Wooden windows are an important part of many homes, providing an appealing natural look and an abundance of security. However, they can be vulnerable to damage and deterioration and the condition of wood window frames and sashes should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to perform in the way they were designed to.

Rot is among the most frequent issues that window frames made of timber face. Wood rot can be caused by excessive exposure to water which can cause wood to become soft and spongy. The good part is that the 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 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 repair near me to ensure they're properly sealed and prevent water infiltration.

If you see any rotting areas, it's important to check for softness. This can be done by pressing down on the wood with the help of a screwdriver or your fingers. Healthy, solid wood will be able to stand up to this pressure, while rotting wood will give way easily. If the rot is more than 10%, it's recommended to replace the frame rather than attempt to repair it.

After the damaged timber sections have been treated and sanded, the next step. It's best to start with a sandpaper of coarse-grit and then move to finer grits until the repaired section is smooth and blends seamlessly with the remainder of the window. After sanding the area, Repair Timber Windows it can be primed and painted so that the repair is invisible to the naked eye.

In certain instances where the rotting is severe and the timber is weak enough to be repaired, it may be necessary to have an lintel installed above the window. This is a beam that's designed to support the weight of the walls above the cavities where the timber frames are. A structural engineer can put in an lintel to stop the deterioration and decay of older timber windows.

Take the Glass off

It's easier to work around the broken glass when you remove the frame and window. This makes the task much easier. Wear gloves and use a towel to shield your hands from the shards of glass that are razor-sharp. If you choose to save some pieces of glass, wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them with care.

After you've removed the glass you can inspect the condition of the wood. It's a good idea to apply a damp cloth or sponge to clean the frame as well as the sash, and any vents you may have put in your windows. You can begin to get rid of the grime and dirt in the event that there is plenty. You should avoid getting any 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, it's best to take out and replace the damaged parts. This can improve the look and functionality of your windows, and also prevent the windows from jamming or squeaking in service.

Also, you should ensure that the hinges are intact and 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, it's usually a sign they're damaged or out of adjustment and need adjustments.

Many timber window problems are caused by weather and moisture. The uptake of moisture can cause local window repair stress on the exposed glued joint, which can result in them opening and opening up to let moisture in the frame. This can lead to moisture staining.

Fortunately, modern woods such as Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand a lot more damage than standard timbers and therefore it's worth checking with your chosen joinery supplier to find out what timbers they can offer. It is essential to select the right type of timber since different woods expand and Repair Timber Windows contract at different rates, and selecting the wrong one could lead to damage and a shorter life span for your new windows made of wood.

Remove the old Putty

Windows made of wood are an indisputable element of many older structures and, if properly examined and repaired can be made to look stunning and serve important purposes such as letting light in, keeping out rain and ensuring good insulation. Timber frames can become rotten if they are neglected. If this happens, the quality of the windows is damaged, and replacement may be required.

The first step is to check 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. If large sections of timber are badly damaged, it may not be feasible to save them, however they are often put in and treated to ensure that the remainder of the window can remain functional.

If you decide to repair the sash, the next step is to remove it from its carrying. Set it on a flat surface, similar to a workmate. It is also possible to take off the seals and handle in this step so that you can inspect them.

There are many products that can be mixed with raw linseed oil in order to loosen old putty. It is then applied liberally to the old putty, and allowed to sit for 15 or 20 minutes before scraping with a chisel or a razor blade. This process should be repeated several times to get rid of all of the old putty.

After removing the old putty, you will have to thoroughly clean the frame and upvc window repair kit to stop moisture from entering. This could include stripping paint with gel-type removers, or cutting out damaged timber sections and splicing new ones. If a splice is needed then it must be treated and painted with a protective product in order to prevent further damage.

Once all of the old putty is removed it is now time to apply some fresh glazing putty on the window. A good quality linseed oil putty is recommended as it is much easier to sand and provide an attractive finish to the window. Before applying the putty it is a good idea to roll a small amount out and form a "sausage" shape that is easy to apply and clean in appearance when it is placed on the window frame.

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, and the frames could rot which affects the structure, security and insulation of your home. Repairing windows is usually cheaper than replacing it.

If there is glass that has been damaged the sash window can be repaired by removing the broken glass, and then filling and re-glazing the opening with the appropriate size of new glass. It is much easier to do this if your window can be removed from its casing; it can be secured on an work surface with the caulked side facing upwards, or inserted into a window frame that's been opened and then to close it again.

The sash is held in place by putty or (typically in older timber windows) panel pins. It is important to select materials that look similar when repairing an older historic window. This will allow the repairs blend in and not be noticed. Modern caulk products are not suitable for historic homes and should be avoided.

It is also important to make sure there aren't any traces of putty or paint left in the rabbet grooves, where the glass is placed in the sash window; these can block the glass from fitting properly. Make sure there are no obstructions to the sash in the window frame. This could lead to leaks.

You can place a piece of clear tape or concealing tape over the crack in order to keep it in place. This will also stop any water from entering the crack. If glass is at risk of being detached from the sash, a solvent-based glass glue may be used to fill in the crack and hold it in the position it is in.

If the casing and sash are in good condition and the draughts can be fixed by cleaning, lubricating, and painting. If you are not confident in tackling these simple maintenance tasks yourself, then a joiner or company who specialize in overhauling timber windows might be able to assist.