A The Complete Guide To Repair Timber Windows From Beginning To End
How to Repair Timber Windows
Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure they remain functional, without swelling or decay. If sash is not properly maintained and treated, windows can suffer from rattling, sticking, and draughts.
Check for rotted areas on the window frame. If the rot is extensive it could be worth replacing the entire frame.
Verify the Condition
Windows made of wood are an essential component of many homes, providing an appealing natural look and lots of security. They can be susceptible to damage and deterioration. The condition of wood windows, including sashes and frames, should be assessed regularly to ensure they continue to perform in the way they were intended to.
Rot is among the most frequent problems window frames made of wood have to deal with. Wood decay can be caused by excessive exposure to water which causes timber to soften and spongy. The good news is that rot can be treated and the wood restored to its original condition with a little effort and perseverance.
The first step to evaluate the condition of your wood windows is to search for signs of rot or other damage, such as cracks or broken parts. Examine the weather stripping of the windows to ensure that they are properly sealed and stop water from entering.
It's important to test for softness if you notice any signs of rotting. You can test this by pressing them down with a screwdriver, or even your finger. Healthy, solid wood will be able to stand up to this pressure, whereas decaying wood will break easily. It is important to keep in mind that when the rot has spread to more than 10% of the frame, it's better to replace it instead of making repairs.
Once the damaged sections of the timber have been treated, it's now time to sand them down. It is best to begin with a coarse-grit sandpaper before moving on to finer grits until the repaired section is smooth and blends seamlessly with the remainder of the window. After sanding the damaged area the area can be primed and then painted to make the repair invisible.
In some cases if the rotting has been severe and the wood is too weak to be repaired, it could be required for a lintel be installed over the windows. It is an structural support beam that helps support the weight of walls above the cavity in which the timber frames are located. Lintel insertion is performed by a structural engineer, and is a great method to avoid the degrading of wooden windows in older homes.
Take the Glass off
If a window is damaged, it is recommended to remove the frame and work with the broken glass instead of working around the glass. This makes the task much simpler. Wear gloves and use towels to shield your hands from the shards of glass that are razor-sharp. If you save a few fragments, make sure you wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in a safe manner.
After you've removed your glass, you can check out the condition of the wood. It's recommended to use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the frame, sash and any vents you may have put in your windows. If there's lots of grime and dirt, then you'll be able to clean it. It's important to make sure that you don't get any chemicals or solvents into the frame or sash since this can cause damage.
If you observe any signs of corrosion or rust on the hardware then it is recommended to take off and replace the damaged components. This will improve the appearance and functionality of your windows and stop them from jamming or squeaking when in use.
You'll also want to check that the hinges aren't damaged, that they can be moved freely, and that there is no visible rot or water staining on the frames. If the hinges or sashes are hard to open or shut it's usually an indication that they're worn out or out of alignment and need to be re-adjusted.
A lot of timber window issues are caused by the weather and moisture. Moisture uptake can create local stress at the joint that is exposed, which can result in them opening and let in moisture. Staining from moisture could be the result too.
Fortunately, modern woods like Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand more damage than traditional timbers which is why it's a good idea to check with the company you choose to work with to find out what timbers they offer. It is essential to select the right timber as different woods expand and contract at different rates, so using the wrong one could result in the damage and a shorter time for your new windows made of timber.
Removing the old Putty
Wooden windows are a typical feature in older buildings. They can be repaired to look stunning and fulfill their purposes, such as letting light in, blocking out rain and providing insulation. If left untreated the frames of timber can become susceptible to wood rot, and when this happens, the strength of the window is compromised and a replacement may be required.
The first step is to determine the condition and the quality of the frame, as well as the glazing putty. This is the material that is used to hold the glass panes in the wooden sash. upvc window repairs might not be feasible for large sections of wood to be saved, however they can be repaired and spliced to keep the remainder of the window in good working order.
If you decide to proceed by making repairs, the next step is to unhook the sash from its holder and put it on a level surface such as an officemate. You may also want to remove the seals and handle at this point so that you can check them.
There are many different products that can be used to loosen and remove old putty, but one of the most effective is to use a bit of Household Chlorine Bleach mixed with Raw Linseed Oil. This is liberally applied to the old putty, and then left to rest for 15 to 20 minutes prior to scraping it off with either a chisel or a razor. The process has to be repeated several times in order to remove all of the old putty.
After removing the old putty, it is important to ensure that the frame and window are thoroughly cleaned to stop moisture from entering. This could mean sanding them down or stripping paint layers using strippers made of gel, or cutting off rotten sections of timber and splicing them into new ones. If a splice has to be made, it must first be protected with a paint and then painted.
After you have removed the old glazing putty, it's now time to apply a new one to the window. A good quality Linseed oil is recommended since it will be easier to sand, and will give an attractive finish to the window. Before applying the putty it is a good idea to roll a little out and create an "sausage" shape that will be easy to apply and clean in appearance after being placed on the window frame.
Reattaching the Glass
Wooden windows are a good investment and will last for a long time. They must be maintained regularly. If you neglect them for a long time, the frames will rot and affect the structure, security, and insulation of your house. But, instead of replacing the entire window, it is often more cost-effective to repair them.
If a pane of broken glass is discovered, it can be repaired using the correct size glass. The old glass needs to first be removed before the new glass installed. It is easier to do this if the window is removed from its casing it can be secured on a work surface with the caulked side facing up, or put into a window frame that's been opened, and then shut.
The sash is held in place using putty, or (in older timber windows) panel pins. It's important to choose materials that resemble those used when repairing an older window. This will make the repairs blend in and not make a statement. The majority of modern caulk products aren't suitable for older homes and should be avoided.
The new glass won't fit correctly if there are traces of paint or putty in the rabbet grooves. Check for debris around the sash or within the window frame. This could lead to a leak.
You can apply a piece of clear tape, or concealing tape, over the crack to secure it. This will also stop the water from flowing through the crack. If the glass is in danger of separating from the sash, solvent-based glue for glass can be used to fill in the crack and hold it in the correct position.
If the casing and sash are in good shape and the draughts can be addressed by cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're unsure about doing these tasks, a specialist joiner who is skilled in overhauling wooden windows may be able to assist.