17 Reasons Not To Ignore Repair Timber Windows
How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows
Many old buildings have gorgeous windows made of timber. However, if they are not properly cared for and painted regularly, they may be damaged and stop functioning correctly.
It is possible to fix damaged wood in wooden window frames, and it is quite simple using the correct methods. There are many different methods of treating rot available, some more effective than others.
Check the Overall Condition
The timber windows will degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements, and also the damp in your home. If left unchecked, this could result in the development of rot on timber.
If you find that your timber windows have become damaged it's important to act fast. In the absence of action, timber rot can result in it worsening over time, particularly when the winter weather arrives. It's not that difficult to repair your timber windows even if they're in pretty poor condition. You'll have to invest some extra time and effort.
When assessing a window's overall condition, it's crucial to consider the fact that various repair methods are appropriate for different scenarios. Repairing the rotten wood sections in the frame of your window can be accomplished by splicing new timber into the frame. This is only suggested in the event that the rotten area of your window does not exceed a certain size. If the area that is rotten in your window is very large it may be necessary to replace the entire sash.
double glazed window repairs 'll first need to inspect your windows made of wood. You must look for indications of damp and rot and damage to the sills and frame. If you're not sure of what to look for, ask a professional to conduct a thorough inspection of your window frames.
Be sure to wear thick work gloves while doing this because splintered and cracked window glass can be dangerous. It is also recommended to have a ladder and someone who can steady the ladder.
One of the most common reasons that timber windows begin to degrade is because they're exposed to penetrating damp inside your home. Penetrating damp can cause your timber windows to rot, and this can cause serious problems like dry or wet rot. If you believe that your windows made of timber are being affected by damp penetrating them, it's important that you repair them as soon as you can. This will not only help prevent further damage to your timber windows but also protect the rest of your home from damp and rot.
Cleaning the Frames
Timber windows are durable and durable, but they have to be maintained regularly. They are susceptible to deterioration and loss of their effectiveness if you do not. This can result in rotting, mold growth and the need for repairs.
A good place to start cleaning your window frames made of timber is to wipe them down with a damp cloth and some washing liquid. This will remove any dirt or dust that has built up on the frame. If there are any stains or marks that aren't going away then you can make use of a soft brush and a small amount of water and washing up liquid to gently scrub them away.
It is also recommended to clean any glass panes, as well as the hinges and handles. Once the frames are clean then you can begin to do any repairs or renovations that you may require. If your hinges are loose or the silicone that surrounds them is beginning to pull away from the frame, you should fix this as soon as possible.
Once the filler or splice repair is dry, it's essential to give it a light sand before painting. This will smooth the surface and create a uniform look. It's recommended that you use a wood stain or varnish that is specifically designed for timber windows because they will give the highest quality finish and provide protection.
After your windows made of timber have been sanded and painted, it's an ideal idea to seal the edges with an oil-based sealant that is waterproof. This will stop moisture from getting inside and damaging the wood over time.
Once the window is completely sanded, it's now time to paint. This should be done on a day when there is no rain or wind forecast. It's also important to make sure that you're using a top-quality exterior-grade paint or stain suitable for timber. After the paint has dried you can lightly sand the paint with fine sandpaper and then wash off any dust.
Fill any cracks that may appear
The wood used in the construction of timber windows naturally expands and contracts according to the temperature, however this can be exacerbated by factors such as water penetration, which causes decay. It is therefore crucial to maintain the paint. Cracked or blistered paint allows water to enter, which accelerates deterioration. This is particularly true in winter when the water freezes and forces wood fibres apart, leading to rot and warping. Using modern timbers such as Accoya (which does not expand and contract as much) and coatings that are designed to handle this, will ensure a long service life from your windows.
It is also crucial to repair any cracks in your frames immediately, as ignoring them will lead to the formation of rot. If you notice any splinters, flakes or small splits in your frames, it is recommended to use a filler that has been made for use on the outside and apply it generously to the affected area. This will not only seal out water, but also strengthen your frame.
In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace a section of the frame made of timber due to damage or rot. This can be accomplished by a professional carpenter who will remove the damaged section, treat it and then join a new piece of well-seasoned timber on a similar basis. It is a good idea to have the new splice treated with a dry rot treatment before it is put into the window, to prevent further rotting and add strength to the frame.
Once the splice has been put in place and allowed to be set, it is now possible to smooth the repaired area to its original size making sure it's flush with the surrounding frame. It is helpful to have different grades of sandpaper available, ranging from coarse to smoother for the final finish.
It is important to remember that wooden windows are a lot more expensive to repair than their metal and plastic counterparts. It's essential to assess the condition of the entire frame prior to taking on any major work. If you notice a significant amount of rot, it is probably better to think about replacing the entire frame instead of trying to repair and re-glue individual parts.
Paint
Timber windows give character, style and appeal to older homes They can also bring a cottage-style feel to newer homes. They are considered more attractive than uPVC and aluminium windows. However they require more maintenance as the wood is more vulnerable to damage. Unattended, timber casement and Sash windows can become damaged quickly and eventually require to be replaced. Regular painting and a careful repair can prolong the life of your timber windows.
The first step is to remove the old paint. A power stripper is often suggested, but you can make use of a paint scraper or wire brush as well. After all paint has been removed, you'll need to smooth the wood. This will give the wood an even, smoother surface and stop dampness from entering the wood and leading to it rotting.
After the sanding process, it's time to begin painting. It is best to paint on a dry and sunny day, so that the paint will dry quickly. Start with the hard-to-reach areas and work your way up the whole window frame. Be careful not to get your hands on the sash or sill as it can cause the peeling off of the putty made of oil.
The sash and sill areas should be left to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks, but ideally at least a whole month. If you hurry through this step the putty won't be able to be able to set and your window will become less durable.
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 and lock levers and the pulls for lifting. You'll need to re-align and lubricate these in order for them to work correctly. It's also a good idea to re-glue any joints that are loose and use a strong external-grade adhesive on new joinery.
Replacing timber windows is a big undertaking and expensive It is therefore crucial to assess the condition of your current timber frames prior to investing in replacements. If you can see a lot of wear and tear, or the timber is rotting and needs to be replaced, then a renovation could be a better option. It's still expensive, but it is much cheaper than the total cost of replacing your existing windows.