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Repair Timber Windows: What's The Only Thing Nobody Has Discussed
How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Windows made of timber are a gorgeous feature of many old buildings. If they aren't regularly maintained and painted they could be damaged and cease to function properly.

The correct methods can help you repair damaged timber in window frames. There are many different treatments for rotting available that are more effective than others.

Check the overall condition

The timber windows will degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements, and damp in your home. If not taken care of, this could result in the development of rot on timber.

If you find that your windows made of timber have begun to deteriorate, it's imperative to act swiftly. Ignoring timber rot will only result in it worsening over time, especially when the winter weather arrives. Fortunately, it's not difficult to fix timber windows, even if they're in bad condition. You'll just need to invest a bit more time and effort.

It's important to consider that different repair techniques are suitable for different situations when evaluating the general condition of windows. Repairing damaged timber sections of your window frame is possible by splicing new wood into the frame. This is only suggested when the rotten portion of your window does not exceed an amount of. If the rotten section of your window is too big it might be necessary to replace the entire sash.

You'll first need to inspect your timber windows. You must look for indications of damp and rot as well as damage to the frame and sills. Get a professional to look over your timber windows if you aren't sure what to look for.

Remember to wear heavy work gloves when doing this as splintered and cracked window glass could be hazardous. It's recommended to have a ladder on hand and someone to help steady it.

One of the primary reasons that timber windows begin to degrade is due to the fact that they are exposed to penetrating damp inside your property. The penetration of moisture can cause windows to rot and result in more serious issues like wet or dry decay. If you think that your timber windows are being affected by damp penetrating them it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can. This will not only aid in stop further damage from occurring to your timber windows, but it will also safeguard the rest of your home from rot and damp.

Clean the Frames

Timber windows are durable and durable, however they need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. If you don't, they could begin to degrade, impacting their look and performance. This can lead to rot to grow, mould, and the need for repairs.

A good starting point for cleaning your window frames made of timber is to clean them with a damp cloth and some washing up liquid. This will get rid of any dust and dirt that has accumulated on the frame. If there are stubborn marks or stains that will not go away make use of a soft toothbrush with a little water and washing liquid to gently scrub the area.

You should also wipe down any glass panes and also the handles and hinges. After the frames have been cleaned, you can then begin to do any repairs or renovations that you may need to make. For instance, if hinges have become loose or the silicone around them is beginning to pull away it is important to get this fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

After the filler or splice is dry, it's crucial to lightly sand the entire surface prior to painting. This will help smooth the surface and create a uniform appearance. It is recommended to apply a wood stain or varnish that is specifically designed for timber windows as these will provide the highest quality finish and provide protection.

It's also an excellent idea to apply a waterproof sealant to the edges of your timber windows once they have been painted and sanded. This will stop moisture from getting in and damaging the wood over time.

After the window has been completely cleaned, it's time to paint. It's a good idea paint on a clear day when there's no wind or rain in the forecast. It's also important to make sure that you're using a high-quality exterior-grade paint or stain that is suitable for timber. After the paint has dried you can lightly sand with fine sandpaper, and then clean off any dust.

Fill any Cracks

Water intrusion can cause rot in the wood of timber windows. It is therefore crucial to keep the paint. Cracked and blistered paint can allow water to infiltrate, which speeds up the process of deterioration. This is particularly true in winter, when water freezes and pulls wood fibres apart in a process that causes warping and rot. Modern timbers like 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 in your frames is crucial since rotting could occur when you do not take care of them. If you discover any flakes, splinters or small slits in your frames, it's recommended to fill them with a product that has been designed for exterior use, and apply it liberally to the affected area. This will not only help to seal in moisture but will also help to strengthen your frame.


In certain situations it is necessary to replace a section of the frame due to damage or rot. This can be accomplished by an experienced carpenter who will remove the damaged area and treat it before splice in an entirely new piece of well-seasoned timber on a like-for-like basis. It is a good idea for the new splice to be treated with a dry-rot treatment prior to being placed into the frame. This will stop further rotting, and will add strength to the existing frame.

Once the splice has been placed and be set, you can remove the repaired area to its original shape and ensure it is flush with the surrounding frame. This is where it could be beneficial to have various grades of sandpaper on hand starting with the coarsest grade to more smoother to finish the job.

Be sash window repair that wooden windows are more expensive to fix than their counterparts in metal or plastic. It's important to check for damage before undertaking major work. If you see the presence of rot in the frame, it's probably better to replace the entire frame rather than attempt to repair and re-glaze each part.

Paint

Timber windows can give charm, character and style to older homes, or they can give a cottage feel to contemporary ones. They are thought to be more appealing than uPVC and aluminum windows. However they require more maintenance as the wood is more prone to damage. Unattended, timber casement and Sash windows can become damaged quickly and eventually have to be replaced. Careful repair and regular painting can prolong the life of your wooden windows.

First, you'll need strip the old paint. You can also make use of a wire brush or paint scraper. After the paint has been removed, you'll need to sand down the wood. This will create smoothness and will aid in preventing dampness from getting into the wood and leading to the wood to rot.

After sanding, it's time for painting. Ideally, you'll want to do this during a sunny and dry day, so the paint will dry quickly. Start with the hard-to-reach areas and work your way around the entire frame of your window. Be careful not to get your hands on the sash or sill area, because it could cause peeling of the oil-based putty.

The sill and sash regions should be left to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks, but it is best to leave it for an entire month. If you rush this step then the putty won't dry and your window won't be as durable.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, it's worth inspecting all the hardware. Pay special attention to the hinges and lock levers and the pulls for lifting. To ensure that they work properly, you'll need realignment and lubrication. Re-glue any joints that are loose and use an exterior grade adhesive that is strong for new joints.

The replacement of windows made of timber is a huge undertaking and expensive and therefore it is important to consider the condition of your existing frames before investing in replacements. If you notice the signs of wear and tear, or the timber is beginning to rot and needs to be replaced, then a renovation could be the best option. Although it can be expensive but the expense is much lower than replacing all your windows.

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