Repair Timber Windows Tools To Improve Your Everyday Life
How to Repair Timber Windows
Timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain functional, and free of swelling and rotting. Sash windows that are not properly maintained or treated can be susceptible to rattling and sticking.
The first step is to check for rotted areas of the window frame. If the rot is severe it might be worth considering replacing the entire frame.
Check the Condition
Wooden windows are an important part of many homes, providing a natural aesthetic and a great deal of security. They can be susceptible to damage and deterioration. The condition of the timber windows, including sashes and frames, should be assessed frequently to ensure that they are functioning in the manner they are intended to.
Rot is among the most frequent problems window frames made of wood have to deal with. The cause of wood rot is excessive exposure to water which causes the wood to become soft and spongy. The good part is that the it is possible to treat the rot and have the wood returned to its original form with a bit of effort and patience.
The first step in assessing the condition of your timber windows is to search for any indications of rot or other damage like cracks or loose parts. It's also important to examine the weather stripping that is on the windows to make sure that they're properly sealed and preventing water infiltration.
It is important to check for softness in the event that you spot any rotting. You can test this by pressing down with a screwdriver, or even your finger. Solid, healthy wood will be able resist this pressure. Wood that is rotting will quickly break down. If the rot is greater than 10%, it's better to replace the frame, rather than attempt to repair it.
After the damaged timber sections have been treated by sanding them down, the next step. Start with coarse-grit paper and then move on to finer grits. This will ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the remainder of the window. After sanding, the area can be primed and then painted to ensure that the repair will be invisible to the naked eye.
In certain cases, if the decay has been extensive and the wood is not strong enough to be repaired, it could be necessary to have a lintel be installed over the windows. This is an structural support beam that carries 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 stop the deterioration of wooden windows in older buildings.
Remove the Glass
When a window is broken it is best to remove it from the frame and work around that, rather than working around the glass. This makes the job much easier. You'll want to shield yourself from the razor-sharp shards by wearing gloves and using a towel to wipe out every piece of glass. If you do end up saving a few fragments, make sure you wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in a safe manner.
After removing the glass, you should check the condition of the wood. It's a good idea to use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the frame as well as the sash, and any vents you might have inserted into your windows. If there's a lot of dirt and grime then you can start to get rid of it. You should avoid getting any chemicals or solvents in the frame and sash because this can cause damage.
If you notice any indications of corrosion or rust on the hardware then it is recommended to take off and replace the damaged components. This can improve the look and functionality of your windows and stop them from jamming or squeaking when in use.
Check that the frames and hinges are in good shape and that they can are able to move freely and that there is no visible signs of rot on the frames. If the hinges and sashes are difficult to open or close, this is usually an indication that they're worn-out or out of alignment, and need to be re-adjusted.
Many problems with timber windows are caused by weather and moisture. The uptake of moisture causes local tension in the glued joints, which can result in them opening and allowing moisture to enter the frame. Moisture staining can be a result of this too.
double glazed window repair as Accoya or Red Grandis are more resistant to abrasion than conventional woods. It is a good idea to ask your joinery company what kinds of timbers they have available. It's important to get the right timber as different woods expand and contract at different rates, and choosing the wrong one could lead to damage and a shorter span for your new windows made of wood.
Take off the old Putty
Windows made of wood are an indisputable characteristic of many older buildings and, if properly examined and repaired, they will look stunning and serve their important functions like letting in light and rain, as well as providing insulation. If neglected, however, timber frames can be subject to wood rot and, once this happens, 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 examine the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the material which holds glass panes in the wooden sash). If large sections of timber are severely damaged, it may not be feasible to save them, however they can often be spliced in and treated to ensure that the remainder of the window will remain functional.
If you decide to go with a repair then the next step is to take the sash from its carrier and place it on a solid level surface such as a workmate. You might also want to remove the seals and handle at this point so that you can inspect them.
There are many different products that can be used to loosen and eliminate old putty. One of the most effective is to apply a small amount of household Chlorine Bleach mixed with raw Linseed Oil. This is applied liberally on the old putty and left to settle for fifteen or twenty minutes before scraping it off with a razor blade or chisel. It is usually required to repeat the process several times in order to completely remove the old putty.
After removing the old putty, it is recommended that you need to thoroughly clean the window and frame to prevent moisture from getting into. This may involve sanding, stripping paint using gel type removers or even cutting out damaged timber sections and splicing fresh ones. If a splice must be made, it should first be treated with a protective paint and then painted.
Once all of the old putty is removed it is now time to apply fresh glazing putty to the window. It is best to use a good quality oil-based linseed, since it will be easier for you to sand. It will also give the window a nice look. Before applying the putty, it is recommended to roll it out and form a "sausage" shape that will be easy to apply and neat in appearance once in position on the frame of the window.
Reattaching the Glass
Wooden windows are a long-term investment for your home and should be maintained regularly. If you neglect them for too long, and the frames could be damaged by rot, which could affect the structure as well as the insulation and security of your home. Repairing windows is usually cheaper than replacing it.
If a pane of broken glass is found it can be fixed with the proper size glass. The old glass must first be removed and the new glass installed. It is much easier to do if you remove the window from its casing. It can then be shackled on an area with the caulked-side of the window facing upwards, or put inside a frame that's been opened and secured again.
The sash is held in place by putting it on with putty or (in older timber windows), panel pins. When you repair an old historic window, it is important to choose materials that are similar in appearance so the repairs don't stand out like a sore thumb. Modern caulks aren't suitable for homes with historical architecture and should be avoided.
It is also essential to ensure there are no traces of putty or paint left in the rabbet grooves where the glass is set in the sash window; these can block the glass from fitting correctly. Also ensure there is no debris in the sash window or around the frame that could cause leaks.
A piece of clear tape or concealing tape may be placed over the crack to keep it in place and to stop water seepage through the gap that could create. If glass is at risk of separating from the sash, solvent-based glass glue may be used to fill the crack and hold it in place.
If the casing or sash is in good shape, the issues with draughts, locks and hinges that are sticky can usually be corrected by cleaning and lubricating them, as well as painting. If you're not confident about tackling these basic maintenance tasks on your own, then an expert joiner or company that specialises in overhauling timber windows could be able to help.