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How to Repair Timber Windows
Timber windows can be an attractive feature of a house. However, over the passage of time and exposure to extreme weather conditions, they can begin to fade.
Rather than replacing timber window frames, it's more beneficial to do repairs. This will help you save money, and the property will keep its original look.
Repairing rotten wood
Wooden window frames are exposed to the elements all year round and are frequently one of the first parts of a home to exhibit signs of damp and damage. Fortunately, a lot of cases of rotten timber are fixable and can be addressed relatively quickly. It is crucial to recognize the problem and act immediately. In the absence of action, the problem could worsen.
It is crucial to first determine the extent of rot, and then determine if it can be repaired. A thorough external survey is a good place to start, checking for slates or tiles that are damaged on the roof, blocked guttering, and deficient damp proof course (DPC). It is also recommended to inspect the inside of the house including basements and cellars, and joist ends in non-cavity walls.
Once you have identified the area that is affected by the rot, it is essential to get rid of the wood that has rotted as much as possible. This will reduce the extent of damage and help in completing the repairs. The next step is to make use of a clawed hammer, or pry bar to get rid of as much rotted wood as is. It's not easy to accomplish however by pushing the clawed end of the hammer against the healthy board and putting the pry bar into the corner you'll be able to create enough leverage to free the old wood.
When removing the rotten timber Make sure you leave an open space between the two. This will prevent moisture from entering the gap and causing damage to the timbers around it. To reduce the chance of leaks and damage it is important to eliminate any nails or debris from the affected area.
After taking out as much of the rotten timber as you can, the remaining boards can be repaired using epoxy or wood filler. This is an easy and affordable method of repair of wood rot on windows made of wood, and they can be easily sanded and then painted to match the frame.
If the rot is severe it might be cheaper to replace the entire window frame, particularly in the case of a long-term fix that will stop further water infiltration. It is also advisable to contact an expert timber window repair service to see what alternatives are available to you.
Splicing or scarfing
Timber windows are a popular choice for period buildings and listed homes, but they can also be used to enhance new properties. They are more expensive than uPVC, but they provide long term advantages and increase the value of your home.
They are very robust and can be cut to any size. They are also very easy to retrofit with IGUs (IGUs) and offer outstanding thermal performance. However, they do require regular maintenance - particularly painting.
Softwoods and hardwoods are the two main types of wood. Hardwoods are broad-leafed deciduous trees with an intricate cellular structure. This provides them with good stability in terms of size. Softwoods are derived from needle-leaf or coniferous trees, and their cellular structure is simpler.
Traditional timber frame structural joints were formed by mortice and Tenons, also known as comb joints. These joints are pinned or nailed in place and are not joined with adhesive. Over time, water ingress freely flows between sections of timber, which can cause staining or rot. Poor craftsmanship can be an important factor. For instance, fixings that are exposed or not properly punched in could cause moisture to penetrate the frame. This can lead to water deposits and rust stains on the window frames in the event that it is allowed to happen.
It is not recommended to replace a timber sash windows with uPVC especially in listed or historic buildings. This compromises the structural integrity. Additionally, uPVC windows have a short life expectancy and are disposed of as garbage.
Modern timbers, such as Accoya or Red Grandis are treated with a special treatment to make them more resistant to the elements and pests. These windows can last a lifetime if they are painted and maintained properly. They can be equipped with burglar proof glazing which increases the force needed to open the windows and makes them more difficult to break.
While replacing timber sash windows using uPVC may be cheaper initially but it's not a viable option for older or listed buildings, as it will ruin the integrity of the property and violate planning permission. uPVC is also noisy, and has a short lifespan before it is required to be replaced.
Filling cracks or splinters
If you take care of your wooden windows, they'll last for many years. They can improve a building's aesthetic, provide decorative features and serve their primary function of keeping a property safe, dry and warm. But, like all things, they could be susceptible to wear and tear and when this happens it is crucial that they are treated and restored.
Wood rot is an issue for wooden windows. It's not enough to replace the damaged pieces. Once a frame is damaged by rot it can be a difficult repair. That's why it's essential to perform regular inspections of your wood windows, especially prior to winter comes around. The pounding rain and freezing temperatures can be particularly rough on windows, increasing the likelihood of moisture penetration.
When a window is dismantled it's important to make an inventory of the frame's condition and noting any areas that are seriously damaged. This will save you time and money, as the process of restoring it is much more straightforward. It could also help you avoid the expense of replacing a whole window.
If you're looking to replace damaged parts of a window made of timber it is always better to splice or scarf in the new piece of seasoned wood instead of trying to repair the existing one. This can be accomplished by cutting the damage to at least 5cm over the point of rot, or by removing the entire sash and then splicing it into an entirely new piece of wood.
The final step is treating the wood with an anti-microbial. This will prevent moisture from getting into the wood, which could cause it to rot and weaken its structure. If you do not plan to treat your windows, it's important to paint them regularly to ensure they are in good shape.
Most timber windows can be repaired by a skilled DIYer. However in the event that the sashes or internal linings are broken it may be necessary to dismantle the window and re-build them. One of the more tricky problems to fix is a damaged counterbalance rope for double-hung windows because they can only be replaced by taking off the sashes and disassembling the frame.
Painting
A good paint job can do wonders for windows made of timber. It can make the windows look new and fresh. However, it can also keep them healthy by covering any issues with rot or any other. Make sure that the wood is completely dried before you begin painting. Moisture can cause wet decay. If you're not sure, use a wood moisture meter to test the moisture content of the timber. There is a possibility of moisture even if the wood looks and is dry to the touch, therefore it is crucial to be aware of whether your window frames are still susceptible to wet rot.
Before you begin painting, it is recommended to wipe over the whole frame with a soft, damp cloth and then remove any grease or oil marks. This will ensure that you don't just scratch the dirt and makes cleaning simpler. It is also worth removing the handles from windows If you have them and putting them to one side. This will make it much easier to work on the frames without worrying about breaking the glass.
When you are ready to begin painting, grab your clean brush and apply a thin layer of primer. This will give the surface more depth and prepare it for the top coat of paint. Let it dry and then lightly sand it using fine sandpaper for an even finish.
The first coat of paint is now applied. Again, make sure you apply the paint in a thin layer and evenly cover all areas. After the paint is dry, sand it again gently and then apply a second coat.
Repeat this process until you're happy with the colour and finish of your window. You may need to re-paint your windows made of timber every 6-10 year, depending on where they are located and the amount of sun they get. upvc window repair near me is the best way to ensure your timber windows look and perform at their best as long as you can.