15 Startling Facts About Repair Timber Windows That You Never Knew
How to Repair Timber Windows
Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain functional, without swelling and rotting. Poorly maintained and treated sash windows may suffer from sticking, rattling and drafts.
The first step is to look for areas of rot on the window frame. If the rot is excessive it is worth looking into replacing the entire frame.
Verify the Condition
Wooden windows can be a beautiful addition to any house. They provide an appealing natural look as well as a superior level of security. They are susceptible to deterioration and damage. The condition of timber window frames, and sashes must be checked regularly to ensure they continue to perform in the way they were intended to.
One of the major issues facing timber window frames is decay. Wood is susceptible to rot due to excessive water exposure, which can cause timber to soften and spongy. The good news is that it is possible to treat the rot and have the wood returned to its original form with some effort and perseverance.
The first step in assessing the condition of your wood windows is to check for any indications of damage or rot like cracks or broken parts. It's also important to examine the weather stripping that is on the windows to ensure they're properly sealed and preventing water infiltration.
It is crucial to check for softness in the event that you spot any signs of rotting. You can do this by pressing down using an instrument like a screwdriver, or your fingers. Solid, healthy wood will be able to stand up to this pressure, whereas the wood that is rotting will fall easily. If the rot is more than 10%, it's better to replace the frame rather than attempt to fix it.
After the damaged timber sections have been treated, sanding them down is the next step. It's best to start with a sandpaper that is coarse in grit before moving on 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 hide the repair.
In some instances, if decay has been extensive and the wood is not strong enough to be repaired, it might be necessary for a lintel to be placed above the windows. It's a structural support beam that carries the weight of walls over the spaces in which timber frames are placed. The lintel installation can be done by a structural engineer and is a great method to prevent the deterioration of wooden windows in older properties.
Take the Glass off
If a window has been damaged, it is recommended to remove it from the frame and work with that, rather than working around the glass. This makes the task simpler. Wear gloves and a towel to protect your hands from the sharp shards. If you choose to save some fragments, wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them with care.
After removing the glass you must examine the condition of the wood. Use a damp sponge or cloth to clean your window's frame as well as the sash and any vents. You can begin to remove the dirt and grime when there's plenty. It is important to avoid putting solvents or chemicals in the frame and sash, since this could cause damage.
If you see any signs of rust or corrosion on the hardware then it's best to remove and replace the damaged part. This can improve the look and functionality of your windows and prevent them from squeaking or jamming during use.
Also, you should ensure that the hinges are intact and be moved freely, and that there is no visible rot or water staining on the frames. If the hinges or sashes become difficult to open or close, then it's usually a sign they're damaged or out of adjustment and need adjustment.
A lot of timber window problems are caused by the weather and moisture. Moisture uptake creates local stress on the glued joints, which can lead to them opening up and allowing moisture to penetrate the frame. The staining of moisture can be the result too.
Fortunately, modern woods like Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand a lot more damage than standard timbers which is why it's a good idea to check with the company you choose to work with to see which timber they can offer. It's important to get the right timber as different woods expand and contract at different rates, so using the wrong one could result in damage and a shorter life span for your new timber windows.
Take off the old Putty
Windows made of wood are a common feature in older buildings. They can be repaired to look stunning and serve their purpose, such as letting light in, preventing rain from entering and insulating. Timber frames can rot when they are not properly maintained. Once this happens, the strength of the windows can be damaged, and replacement may be required.
The first thing that needs to be done is to thoroughly check the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the substance that holds glass panes to the wooden sash). If large sections of timber are severely damaged, it may not be viable to save them, but they can be spliced in and treated so that the remaining part of the window can remain functional.
If you decide to go with a repair then the next step is to take the sash from its holder and place it on a solid flat surface like an officemate. You might also want to remove the seals and handle at this time so you can examine them.
There are a variety of products that can be mixed with raw Linseed oil to break up old putty. The mixture is applied generously to the old putty and allowed to sit for 15 or 20 minutes before scraping it off with a chisel or a razor blade. It is often necessary to repeat the process several times to completely eliminate the old putty.
After removing the old putty, you'll have to thoroughly clean the frame and window to keep moisture from getting into. This might include sanding down or stripping paint layers using strippers that are gel-like or cutting off rotten pieces of timber and splicing in new ones. If a splice has to be constructed, it should first be protected with a paint, and then painted.
After removing the old glazing putty, it's time to apply a new one to the window. window repair is best to use a high-quality oil-based linseed, since it will be much easier to sand. It also gives the window a nice, smooth finish. It is a good idea to roll out a small amount of putty and form the shape of a sausage before applying it to the window frame. This will make it easier to apply the putty and will look neater once in place.
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 decay, which can affect the structure as well as the insulation and security of your home. But, rather than replacing the whole window it is usually more cost-effective to fix them.
If there is a glass pane that is broken, the sash window can be repaired by removing the broken glass, and then filling and re-glazing the opening with the proper size of the new glass. It is easier to do this if the window can be removed from its casing; it can be clamped down on a work surface with the caulked side of the window facing upwards, or inserted into a window frame that's been opened and then secured shut.
The sash is secured by putty or (typically in older timber windows) panel pins. It is important to select materials that are similar to those used when repairing an older window. This will allow the repairs blend in and not stand out. Most modern caulk products aren't suitable for homes with historic architecture and should be avoided.
The new glass won't fit properly if there are spots of paint or putty in the grooves for rabbets. Check for debris around the sash or in the window frame. This could cause leaks.
A piece of clear tape or concealing tape may be applied over the crack to hold it in place and stop water from entering gaps that may develop. A solvent-based glass adhesive can also be used to fill and keep the glass in place if it is in danger of becoming detached from the sash.
If the casing and sash are in good working order, then draughts can be addressed by cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're not confident in carrying out these basic tasks, a joiner who specializes in reworking wooden windows might be able to help.