How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Many old buildings have gorgeous windows made of wood. If they aren't regularly maintained and painted they may be damaged and stop functioning correctly.

The right methods can help you repair the rotting wood in window frames. There are a number of different rot treatments that are available with some of them being more effective than others.

Verify the overall condition

The timber windows will degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements, and damp in your home. If left unchecked, this could cause rot in the timber.

If you notice that your timber windows have become damaged it's important to act fast. Ignoring rotted timber will only make it worse over time, particularly when winter comes around. Even if your repairing double glazed windows made of timber are in poor condition you can still fix them. You'll need to put in a bit more time and effort.

It is important to take into consideration that different repair techniques are appropriate for different situations when assessing the general condition of windows. door Repairing damaged timber sections of your window frame can be done by splicing fresh timber into the frame. This is only suggested in the event that the rotten area of your window does not exceed an amount of. If the rotten portion of your window is too big, it may be required to replace the entire sash.

The first thing that you'll need to take care of is to examine the condition of your wooden windows repaired. You should look for signs of rot and damp as well as damage to the frame and sills. Consult a professional to examine your timber windows if you are unsure of what to look for.

Make sure you wear sturdy gloves for work, as cracked and splintered windows can be dangerous. Also, you should have an appropriate ladder and someone to help you steady the ladder.

Penetrating damp is one of the main reasons timber windows degrade. Penetrating moisture can cause your windows to become rotted and can result in more serious issues like wet or dry decay. If you suspect that your timber windows are suffering from penetrating damp, it's important that you get them repaired as soon as possible. This will not only aid in stop further damage from occurring to your windows made of timber, but it will also safeguard the rest of your home from damp and rot.

Cleaning the Frames

Timber windows are strong and durable, however they need to be maintained regularly. If you don't do this, they could begin to degrade which can affect their appearance and functionality. This can lead to rotting, mould growth, and the need for repair work.

To begin cleaning your wooden window frames, apply a damp cloth with some washing liquid. This will help remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the frame. If you notice any stubborn marks or stains that aren't going away then you can make use of a soft brush and the use of a small amount of water and washing liquid to gently scrub them away.

Also, you should clean the glass window repair panes and hinges and handles. When the frames are clean, you can then begin to do any repairs or renovations that you might need to do. If your hinges are loose or the silicone that covers them is pulling away from the frame, you should make the necessary repairs immediately.

After the filler or splice is dry, it's essential to lightly sand the surface before painting. This will smooth the surface and give it a uniform appearance. It is recommended to make use of a wood stain or varnish that is specifically designed for windows made of timber as these will provide the best finish and protect.

After your windows for timber have been sanded and painted it's a good idea for you to seal the edges using a waterproof sealant. This will prevent moisture from getting inside and causing damage to the wood over time.

After the window has been completely cleaned, it's time to paint. This should be done on a day when there is no wind or rain forecast. It is also recommended to use a quality exterior-grade stain or paint that's suitable for wood. Once the paint has dried, you should lightly sand it with some fine sandpaper, and then take off any dust to ensure that your windows look great.

Fill any cracks

The wood used in the construction of timber windows naturally expands and contracts according to the temperature, but this can be exacerbated by elements like water penetration, which can cause rot. It is therefore crucial to maintain the paint. Cracked and blistered paint can allow water to infiltrate, which speeds up the process of deterioration. This is especially true during winter when the water freezes and pulls wood fibres apart, leading to rot and warping. Utilizing modern timbers such as Accoya (which doesn't expand or contract as much) and coatings designed to cope with this, will give you longevity from your windows.

Filling any cracks or splinters that are present in your frames is vital because rotting can happen in the event that you don't take care. Make use of a filler made for exterior use to fix any splinters, flakes or small splits that you find in your frames. Apply it liberally on the affected area. This will not only seal out moisture, but also strengthen your frame.

In some cases it may be necessary for a piece of the frame to be replaced because of rot. A professional carpenter can replace the section of damaged timber with a new well-seasoned, properly seasoned piece. It's a good idea to have the new splice treated with dry rot treatment prior to the time it is placed in the window glass repair, in order to avoid further rotting and add strength to the existing frame.

Once the splice is joined, and allowed to dry, you can sand down the repaired area back to its original shape. Be sure it is in line with the surrounding frame. It is beneficial to have different grades of sandpaper available, from coarse to a smoother final finish.

Remember that wood windows are more costly to repair than windows made in plastic or metal. It is essential to test for damage prior to undertaking any major work. If you discover a large amount of decay, it's probably best to consider replacing the entire frame instead of trying to repair or re-glue individual parts.

Paint

Timber windows provide style, character and appeal to older buildings, or they can bring an old-fashioned look to modern homes. They are generally thought to be more appealing than uPVC or aluminium windows but they do require more care because the natural wood is prone to deterioration and may react to weather conditions in a sporadic way. If left unattended, timber casement or Sash windows can become damaged quickly and eventually have to be replaced. Regular painting and maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your timber windows.

First, you will need to remove the old paint. A power stripper is usually recommended, but you could make use of an old-fashioned paint scraper or wire brush too. Once all the paint is removed you'll need to smooth the wood. This will allow for door repairing a smooth finish and ensure that any dampness is not absorbed into the timber and cause the wood to rot.

Once the sanding process is completed, it's time to start painting. It is best to paint during a sunny and dry day, so the paint can dry quickly. Start by working your way through the entire frame of your window beginning with the most difficult to reach areas. When you are at the sill and sash areas be sure not to contact it, because this could cause the oil-based glue to peel off.

You'll need to allow the sill and sash area to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks - best is one month. If you hurry this step then the putty will not dry and your window won't be as long-lasting.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, you should consider taking a look at all the hardware. Pay particular attention to the hinges as well as the lock levers and the pulls for lifting. To ensure that they function properly, you'll require realignment and oiling. It's also an excellent idea to re-glue any joints that have come loose, and then use a strong exterior-grade adhesive on any new joints.

The replacement of windows made of timber is a big undertaking and expensive, so it's crucial to assess the condition of your existing timber frames prior to investing in replacements. If you see the signs of wear and tear, or the timber is rotting and needs to be replaced, then a renovation could be the best alternative. It's still expensive, but it is much less than the cost of replacing your old windows.