How to Properly Maintain and Repair Timber Windows

Many older buildings have beautiful windows made of timber. If they aren't regularly painted and maintained, they can be damaged and cease to function properly.

It is possible to repair a window to double glazed windows (http://mall.thedaycorp.kr) damaged wood in wooden window frames, and it is quite simple with the right techniques. There are a variety of methods of treating rot available with some of them more effective than others.

Examine the overall condition

Over time, timber windows will begin to deteriorate due to being exposed to the elements and humidity in your home. If not taken care of, Repair To Double Glazed Windows this could lead to timber rot - and that's not good.

If you find that your windows made of timber have been damaged, it is imperative that you act quickly. In the absence of action, timber rot can result in it getting worse in time, particularly during winter when it's cold and snowy. Even if your windows made of wood are in a bad state you can still fix them. You'll need to put in a bit more time and effort.

It is important to take into consideration that different repair techniques are suitable for different scenarios when assessing the general condition of a window. Repairing the rotten wood sections in your window frame can be accomplished by splicing fresh timber into the frame. This method is recommended only when the rotten portion of your window is not larger than a certain size. If the rotten section of your window is too large, it may be necessary to replace the entire sash.

The first thing you'll need to take care of is thoroughly examine the condition of your wooden windows. You must look for signs of rot and damp and damage to the frame and sills. If you're not sure of what to look for, ask a professional to conduct a thorough inspection of your window frames.

Wear heavy work gloves while doing this. Broken or splintered windows glass can be dangerous. Also, you should have a ladder and someone who can help you steady the ladder.

Penetrating damp is one of the main reasons that timber windows become damaged. Penetrating moisture can cause windows to decay and repair To double glazed windows cause more serious issues such as wet or dry decay. If you think that your timber windows are affected by penetrating damp it is essential to get them repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage to timber windows and protect your home against damp and rot.

Clean the Frames

Timber windows are robust and durable, however they must be maintained and cleaned regularly. If you don't do this, they may begin to lose their luster in appearance and function. This can lead rot or mould growth and the need for repairs.

The best way to begin cleaning your timber window frames is to wipe them clean with a damp cloth and a washing liquid. This will remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the frame. If there are marks or stains that won't go away, use a soft toothbrush with a little water and washing liquid to gently scrub the area.

Also, you should clean the glass panes as well as hinges and handles. Once the frames are clean, you can then begin making any repairs or renovations that you may need to make. For instance, if you notice that hinges have become loose or the silicone surrounding them has started to sag it is important to get this fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Once any filler or splice doors repair is dry, it's essential to give it a light sand before painting. This will smooth the surface and give it an even appearance. It is recommended to use a wood stain or varnish that is specifically designed for windows made of timber as these will provide the best finish and protection.

It's also an excellent idea to apply a waterproof sealant around the edges of your windows made of timber after they've been painted and sanded. This will stop moisture from getting in and causing damage to the wood in time.

After the window has been completely sanded, it's time to paint. It's a good idea to do this on a clear day when there's no rain or wind in the forecast. It's also worth making sure that you're using a high-quality exterior-grade stain or paint suitable for timber. Once the paint has dried it is recommended to lightly sand it with some fine sandpaper, and then remove any dust to ensure that your windows are looking great.

Fill any cracks that may appear

The wood used in the construction of timber windows naturally expands and contracts according to the temperature, but this can be exacerbated due to factors like water penetration, which causes the wood to rot. It is therefore important to keep the paint. Cracked and blistered paint allows water to infiltrate, which speeds up the process of deterioration. This is especially true during winter, when water freezes and causes wood fibres to break in a process that causes warping and rot. Modern timbers such as Accoya, which does not expand or contract as much, and coatings designed to cope with these conditions will ensure that your windows a long life.

It is also important to repair to double glazed windows any cracks in your frames as soon as they appear, since not doing so can result in the development of rot. Make use of a filler made for use on the outside to fix any splinters, flakes or small splits that you discover in your frames. Apply it generously to the affected area. This will not only help to seal in moisture, but also help to strengthen your frame.

In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace a portion of the frame made of timber due to damage or rot. A skilled carpenter can replace the piece of damaged timber with a new, properly seasoned piece. It's a good idea to treat the new splice with dry rot treatment prior to the time it is put into the window to stop further rotting and provide additional strength to the existing frame.

Once the splice is joined and left to dry then you can sand the repaired area back to its original shape. Be sure it is in line with the surrounding frame. This is why it can be helpful to have several kinds of sandpaper in your arsenal, progressing from a coarse grade to more smoother for the final finish.

Remember that wood windows are more costly to fix than their counterparts in plastic or metal. It is essential to test for damage before undertaking major work. If you find a significant amount of rot, then it's best to consider replacing the entire frame, rather than attempting to repair upvc window or re-glue parts.

Paint

Timber windows can provide charm, character and style to older properties, or can provide a rustic feel to contemporary ones. They are generally believed to be more attractive than uPVC or aluminium windows however, they require more care as the natural wood is prone to damage and also react to different weather conditions in a sporadic manner. If left unattended, timber casement or Sash windows can become damaged quickly and eventually need to be replaced. Regular painting and careful repair can prolong the life of your timber windows.

The first step is to take off the old paint. You can also make use of an electric brush or a paint scraper. Once all the paint has been removed you'll need to sand the wood. This will create a smooth finish and help prevent any dampness getting into the timber and cause the wood to rot.

After the sanding process, it's time to begin painting. Ideally, you'll want to paint on a sunny and dry day, so the paint will dry quickly. Work your way around the entire window frame beginning with the most difficult to reach spots. When you get to the sill and sash window repairs area ensure that you do not contact it, as this could cause the oil-based putty to break off.

The sill and sash regions should be allowed to dry for at least 2 weeks, but ideally at least a whole month. If you rush this process then the putty will not set and your window won't be as durable.

While you wait for the sill and sash to dry, you should consider taking a look at all the hardware. Pay special attention to the hinges, the lock levers, and the lift pulls. To ensure that they work correctly, you'll need to adjust them and oiling. It's also an excellent idea to glue any joints that have become loose and use a strong adhesive for exterior use on any new joinery.

It's costly to replace timber frames, so it is important to consider their condition before investing in new ones. If you notice a lot of wear and tear, or the timber is rotting and needs to be replaced, then a renovation could be a better option. While it is costly but the expense is much lower than replacing all of your windows.