How to Repair Timber Windows
Timber windows can be a stunning feature of a house. However, over time and exposure to extreme weather conditions, they can begin to fade.
Rather than replacing timber window frames, it's much more beneficial to do repairs. This will help you save money, and the property will keep its original look.
Repairing rotten wood
Window frames made of wood are exposed to the elements throughout the year and are frequently one of the first places of a home to show signs of damp and damage. Luckily, many instances of rotten wood are fixable and can be addressed relatively quickly. The key is to spot the problem and take action before it worsens, or worse damage may occur.
In the beginning, it is essential to determine the extent of the rot and determine whether or not it's repairable. A thorough inspection of the exterior is usually a good place to begin, looking for slates or tiles that are damaged on the roof or gutters that are blocked, as well as damaged damp proof course (DPC). It's also a good idea to check the inside of the house, including cellars and basements, and joist ends in non-cavity walls.
After you've identified the part which is affected by rot, it's important to get rid of as much of the rotten timber as you can. This will lessen the amount of damage and allow you to finish the remaining repair work. The next step is to employ a pry bar or clawed hammer in order to remove as much of the decayed timber as you can. It's not easy to do however, by pressing the clawed end of the hammer against the healthy board and putting the pry bar into the corner, you will be able create enough leverage to free the old wood.
When you are removing the decayed timber Be sure to leave a gap between the two. This will stop moisture from entering and causing damage to the timbers around the gap. It is also important to remove any nails and other debris from the affected area to minimise the risk of future leaks and damage.
The epoxy or wood filler can be used to repair the remaining boards after removing the decayed wood. This is a fairly inexpensive and easy way to repair rotted wood on windows made of timber. It can be sanded down and painted to match the existing frame.
If the rot is severe it could be more cost-effective to replace the whole window frame, especially in the case of a long-term fix that will prevent further moisture penetration. It's also a good idea to call a professional timber window repair service to see what options are available to you.
Splicing or scarfing
Timber windows are an excellent choice for older homes and listed buildings, but they can be utilized in new construction. They are more expensive than uPVC, but they provide long-term benefits and add value to your home.
They can be made in any size and are very robust. They are also extremely easy to retrofit with insulated glass units (IGUs) and provide excellent thermal performance. However, they do require regular maintenance - particularly painting.
Softwoods and hardwoods are the two main types of wood. Hardwoods come from broad-leafed, deciduous trees. They have an extremely complex cellular structure that provides them good dimensions stability. Softwoods however, come from needle-leafed or coniferous trees and have a much simpler cell structure.
Traditional structural joints in timber frames were created by mortice and Tenons, or comb joints. These joints are pinched or nailed to the frame and are not bonded using adhesive. Over time, water ingress freely flows between sections of timber, resulting in staining or rot. Poor craftsmanship can be an element in. For instance fixings that are not covered or punched incorrectly can allow moisture to penetrate the frame. This can lead to rust stains and water deposits on the window boards in the event that it is allowed to develop.
Replacing timber sash windows with uPVC is generally not an option, especially for listed and historic structures, since they compromise the integrity of the building. uPVC is also a low-quality product with a short lifespan. It ends up in the landfill.
Modern timbers, such as Accoya or Red Grandis, are treated with a special treatment that makes them resistant to pests and weather conditions. Properly maintained and painted, these windows can give a lifetime of service. They can even be fitted with burglar-proof glass, which increases the amount of force required to open the window and makes it more difficult to break.
While replacing timber sash with uPVC is at first cheaper, it is not a good option for listed or period properties as it can damage the integrity of the building and also violate the planning permission. Additionally, uPVC can be very noisy and has a limited lifespan before they start to degrade and require replacement.
Filling in cracks or splinters
If you take care of your wooden windows, they will last for many years. They can improve a building's aesthetics, offer decoration, and fulfill their primary function of keeping a property warm, dry and secure. But, like everything else, they can be susceptible to wear and tear and when this happens, it is vital to treat them and get repaired.
Wood decay is the most frequent problem that can affect windows made of wood and doors, and it's not just a case of replacing rotten parts. If a frame is damaged by rot it can be difficult to repair. It is essential to inspect your windows made of wood frequently, particularly before winter season arrives. The constant cold and rain can be extremely harsh on windows, increasing the likelihood of water penetration.
It's crucial to know the condition of frames and any areas that are severely damaged when a window is taken down. This will help you save time and money, as the process of restoring it will be much simpler. You'll save money by not having to replace the entire window.
If you're planning to replace a damaged part of a timber window, it's always best to splice in or scarf in a brand new piece of well-seasoned wood instead of trying to repair the damaged one. This can be done by either cutting out the damaged area to at least 5 centimeters past the point of rot or by cutting off the entire sash and splicing it into a new piece.
The final step is to treat the wood with an anti-microbial. This will stop moisture from getting into the wood, which could cause it rot and weaken its structure. If you are not going to treat your windows, it is essential that you paint them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition.
In most cases, windows made of wood that require repairs can be fixed by the handy DIYer. If the sashes are damaged or the internal linings are damaged, it could be required for the window to be dismantled and rebuilt. A damaged counterbalance cord on double-hung windows is one of the trickier problems to fix since it can only be fixed by removing the sashes from the frame and disassembling it.
Painting
A good paint job will do wonders for your windows made of wood. It can make windows appear fresh and new. However, it can also keep them healthy, by covering any issues with rot or any other. Make sure that the wood is completely dry before you begin painting. This is important, as moisture can trigger wet rot. If you are not sure, use a wood moisture meter to test the moisture content of the timber. Moisture may still be present even if the wood appears and feels dry to the touch, therefore it is crucial to be aware of whether your window frames are susceptible to wet rot.
upvc window repairs is a good idea to clean the entire frame with a damp soft cloth before you begin painting. This will remove any grease or oils marks. This will ensure that you don't just smear the dirt around and can make cleaning much easier. It is also advisable to remove the handles from windows in the event that you have them and putting them on one side. This will make it easier to work with the frames, without having to worry about breaking the glass.
Apply a thin layer of primer with a dry, clean brush when you are ready. This will give your surface more depth and help prepare it for the final coat of paint. After drying, lightly sand it using fine sandpaper to create a smooth finish.
The next step is to apply the first coat of paint. Make sure to paint in a thin layer and cover all areas equally. Once the paint has dried, sand down the surface once more before applying the second coat.
Repeat this process until you are happy with the colour and appearance of your window. Be aware that you could need to repaint your windows made of timber about every 6-10 years, dependent on their location and the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. Having a regular maintenance plan is a good way to ensure that they remain in good condition and functioning as long as is possible.