Notes

15 Unexpected Facts About Repair Timber Windows You Didn't Know
How to Repair Timber Windows

Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good working order, without swelling and rotting. Sash windows that aren't properly maintained or treated can be prone to rattling and sticking.

The first step is to look for rotted areas of the window frame. If the rot is severe it may be worth replacing the entire frame.

Examine the Condition

Wooden windows are a crucial part of many homes, providing an attractive natural aesthetic as well as an abundance of security. However, they are susceptible to deterioration and damage, and the condition of wood windows and frames should be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are still functioning in the way they were designed to.

One of the major issues facing timber window frames is the rot. The cause of wood rot is excessive exposure to water which causes the timber to become soft and spongy. The good news is, rot can be treated with patience and effort.

The first step to evaluate the condition of your timber windows is to look for any signs of damage or rot, such as cracks or loose parts. It's also important to examine the weather stripping on your windows to ensure that they're properly sealed and prevent water infiltration.

If you notice any areas of rotting It is important to test them for suppleness. You can test this by pressing them down with a screwdriver, or even your fingers. Healthy, solid wood will be able resist this pressure. Rotting wood will easily break down. It is crucial to remember that if the rot has spread to more than 10% of the frame, it will be better to replace it rather than making repairs.

After upvc window repairs damaged areas of the timber have been treated, it's time to sand them down. Start with coarse-grit paper and 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 it is possible to prime it and then painted to make the repair invisible.

In some cases if the decay is severe and the wood is too weak to be repaired, it might be necessary to have a lintel be installed above the windows. It is a structural beam designed to support the weight of the walls above the cavities where the frames of timber sit. Lintel insertion is done by a structural engineer and it's an excellent way to stop the deterioration of wooden windows in older homes.

Remove the Glass

It is easier to deal with the broken glass when you remove the window from the frame. This makes the job much easier. Wear gloves and use towels to shield your hands from the razor-sharp shards. If you do end up saving a few pieces of glass, be sure to wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in a safe manner.


Once you've removed the glass, you can check out the condition of the wood. It's recommended to apply a sponge or damp cloth to wipe down the frame, sash and any vents you may have inserted into your windows. You can begin to remove the grime and dirt if there is plenty. It's important to make sure that you don't get any solvents or chemicals in the frame and sash, as they can cause damage.

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

Also, you should ensure that the hinges are intact and that they move freely and that there's no visible rot or water staining on the frames. If the hinges or sashes become difficult to open or close, then this is usually a sign they're damaged or out of adjustment and need adjustment.

A majority of window problems are caused by the weather and moisture. Moisture uptake can cause local stress at the joint that is exposed to the gluing which could cause them to open and opening up to let moisture in the frame. The staining of moisture can be a result of this too.

Fortunately, modern woods such as Accoya and Red Grandis are able to withstand more damage than traditional timbers, so it's worth checking with your preferred joinery company to determine which type of timber they offer. It is important to choose the right type of wood since different kinds of wood expand and contract at different speeds. If you choose the wrong kind, it could cause damage and reduce the lifespan of your new windows made from timber.

Remove the old Putty

Windows made of wood are an indisputable characteristic of many older buildings and if inspected and carefully repaired, they will look stunning and serve their important functions like letting in light and preventing rain from entering, as well as ensuring good insulation. If neglected, however, timber frames can be subject to wood rot and once this occurs the structural integrity of the window can be compromised and a replacement may be required.

The first thing to be taken care of is to check the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the material that holds glass panes into the wooden sash). It may not be possible for large portions of wood to be saved, but they can be repaired and spliced to keep the remainder of the window in good working order.

If you decide to go with a repair, the next step is to remove the sash from its carrier and put it on a flat surface like a workmate. You might also want to remove the seals and handle in this step so that you can check them.

There are many products that can be mixed with raw Linseed oil to break up old putty. It is then applied liberally to the old putty, and then left to rest for 15 to 20 mins before scraping it off with a razor or chisel. It is typically required to repeat the procedure several times to completely remove the old putty.

After removing the old putty, you have to ensure that the frame and window are thoroughly cleaned to prevent the entry of moisture. This could include sanding down and stripping paint layers with gel type strippers or even cutting off rotten sections of timber and splicing in new ones. If a splice is needed then it should be treated and painted with a sealant in order to prevent further damage.

After you have removed the old glazing putty, you can apply a new one to the window. It is best to use a high-quality oil-based linseed putty because it is easier to sand. It also gives the window a nice finish. It is a good idea to roll out a small amount of putty and form a sausage shape before applying it to the window frame. This will make it easier to apply the putty, and look neater once in place.

Reattaching the Glass

Wooden windows are an investment that will last for many years. They should be maintained regularly. If you don't take care of them for a long time, the frames will rot and affect the structure, security and insulation of your home. But, rather than replacing the entire window, it is often more cost-effective to fix them.

In the event of glass that has been damaged the sash windows can be repaired by removing the broken glass, and then filling and re-glazing it with the correct size of new glass. It is much 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 facing upwards, or placed into a window frame that's been opened and then closed again.

The sash is held in place with putty, or (in older timber windows), panel pins. It is important to select materials that resemble those used when you repair an older window. This will allow the repairs blend in and not make a statement. The majority of modern caulks aren't suitable for homes with historical architecture and should be avoided.

The new glass will not fit correctly if there are spots of paint or putty in the grooves for rabbets. Also ensure there is no debris in the frame or around the frame that could lead to a leak.

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

If the sash and casing are in good working order and the draughts can be addressed through cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're not confident about doing these tasks, a professional joiner who specialises in reworking wooden windows might be able to help.

Website: https://www.window-repair-wizard.co.uk/