15 Gifts For The Repair Timber Windows Lover In Your Life
How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows
Many older buildings have beautiful windows made of timber. However, if they are not properly cared for and regularly painted they can become damaged and stop functioning properly.
The right methods can make it easy to repair the rotting wood in window frames. There are a variety of different rot treatments that are available, some being more efficient than others.
Verify the general condition
The timber windows will degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and the dampness in your home. Unchecked, this can result in the development of rot on timber.
It is crucial to act swiftly if you notice that your wooden windows are damaged. In the absence of action, rotten timber will make it worse, particularly when winter comes around. Even if your timber windows are in poor condition, you can still repair them. double glazed window repairs 'll just need to invest some time and effort.
It is crucial to think about different repair methods are suitable for different situations when evaluating the overall condition of a window. For instance, splicing fresh timber is an effective method to fix rotten parts of your window frame made of timber. However, this technique is only recommended if the rotten section of your window is not too large. If the section that is rotten of your window is too large it could be required to replace the entire sash.
The first thing that you'll need to take care of is to thoroughly inspect the condition of your timber windows. Look for signs of rot, damp and damage to the sills or frame. If you're not sure what to look for, request a professional to conduct a thorough inspection of your window frames.
Be sure to wear thick gloves for work, as cracked and splintered window glass can be dangerous. It's also a good idea to keep a ladder in your bag and a person to hold it.
Penetrating damp is one the main reasons timber windows degrade. The penetration of moisture can cause windows to rot and cause more serious issues such as wet or dry decay. If you suspect that your timber windows are affected by penetrating damp, it's important that you get them repaired as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage to your windows made of timber and protect your home against damp and mold.
Clean the Frames
Timber windows are strong and durable, however they need to be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. If you don't, they can start to deteriorate, impacting their look and performance. This can lead to rot to grow, mould, and the need for repairs.
A good starting point for cleaning your timber window frames is to wipe them down with a damp cloth and some cleaning liquid. This will get rid of any dirt or dust that has built up on the frame. If there are stubborn marks or stains that aren't going away make use of a soft toothbrush with a bit of water and washing liquid to gently scrub the area.
You should also wipe down any glass panes as well as the hinges and handles. When the frames are clean then you can begin to do any repairs or improvements you might need to do. If the hinges are loosened or the silicone that surrounds them is beginning to pull away from the frame, you should repair the issue immediately.
Once any repair or filler is dry, it's important to give it an even sanding before painting. This will help smooth the surface and give it a uniform appearance. It is recommended that you apply stain or varnish for wood specifically designed for timber windows. These will provide the most durable protection and finish.
It's also an excellent idea to apply a waterproof sealant on the edges of your windows made of timber after they've been painted and sanded. This will prevent moisture from getting in and damaging the wood over time.
After the window has been completely sanded, it's now time to paint. This is best done on a day with no rain or wind forecast. It's also important to ensure that you're using a top-quality exterior-grade paint or stain that is suitable for timber. After the paint has dried, you can lightly sand it with fine sandpaper, and then clean off any dust.
Fill any Cracks
Water penetration can cause rot to the wood of timber windows. This is why it is important to keep up with painting maintenance. Cracked and blistered paint allows water to enter, which speeds up deterioration. This is particularly true in the winter when water freezes and breaks down wood fibres, causing cracks and rot. Using modern timbers such as Accoya (which doesn't expand and contract as much) and coatings specifically designed to withstand this, will ensure longevity from your windows.
It is also important to fill any cracks in your frames as soon as they appear, since ignoring them will result in the development of rot. Utilize a filler specifically designed for use on the outside to fix any splinters, flakes, or small splits that you discover in your frames. Apply it evenly on the affected area. This will not only help to seal in moisture, but also aid to strengthen your frame.
In some instances it is necessary to replace a portion of the frame made of timber due to damage or rot. This can be accomplished by a professional carpenter who will remove the damaged area and treat it before join the new piece of seasoned timber on a similar basis. It is recommended for the new splice to be treated by a dry-rot treatment prior being placed into the frame. This will prevent further rotting, and will add strength to the frame.
After the splice is put in place and allowed to be set, it is now possible to sand the repaired area down to its original size, making sure it is flush with the surrounding frame. This is where it can be helpful to keep various types of sandpaper available starting with a coarse grade to an easier one to finish the job.
It is important to remember that wooden windows are much more costly to fix than their plastic and metal counterparts, and it's therefore crucial to evaluate the overall condition prior to making any major changes. If you discover a large amount of rot, then it is probably better to think about replacing the entire frame instead of trying to repair and re-glue individual parts.
Paint
Timber windows provide style, character and appeal to older homes They can also bring the charm of a cottage to newer homes. They are considered more attractive than uPVC and aluminum windows. However, they require more maintenance as the wood is more susceptible to damage. If left unattended, timber casement and sash windows can deteriorate quickly and eventually have to be replaced. Regular painting and careful repair can extend the lifespan of your timber windows.
Firstly, you'll need to strip the old paint. A power stripper is often suggested, but you can make use of a paint scraper or a wire brush too. After the paint is removed, it is time to sand the wood. This will give the wood an even, smoother surface and stop dampness from entering the wood and causing it to rot.
After the sanding, it's time for painting. It is best to paint on a dry, sunny day to allow the paint to dry quickly. Begin with the difficult-to-access areas and work your way around the whole window frame. When you get to the sash and sill area be sure not to contact it, because this could cause the oil-based putty to break off.
The sill and sash regions should be left to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks, but ideally a full month. If you rush through this step, the putty won't set and your window will become less durable.
While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, you should be inspecting all the hardware. Pay particular attention to hinges, the lock levers, and the pulls for lifting. You'll have to adjust and lubricate these for them to work correctly. It's also an excellent idea to glue any joints that have come loose and use a strong adhesive for exterior use on any new joints.
It's costly to replace timber frames, so you should be aware of their condition prior to investing in new ones. Renovation is a good option if you see signs of wear and tear or decaying timber. While it may be costly but the expense is much lower than replacing all of your windows.