How to Repair Timber Windows
To ensure that timber windows remain functional and free of swelling and rotting, they require regular maintenance. If sash is not properly maintained and treated, windows are susceptible to rattling, sticking, and drafts.
The first step is to search for rotted areas of the window frame. If the rot is extensive, it may be worth considering replacing the whole frame.
Verify the Condition
Wooden windows can be beautiful additions to any house. They offer an appealing natural look as well as a high degree of security. They are vulnerable to deterioration and damage. The condition of timber window frames, as well as sashes must be checked regularly to ensure they are functioning in the manner they are intended to.
Rot is among the most frequent problems window frames made of timber have to deal with. The cause of wood rot is excessive exposure to water which can cause the timber to become soft and spongey. The good news is that it is treatable with perseverance and determination.
The first step to evaluate the condition of your timber windows is to search for any indications of rot or other damage, such as cracks or loose parts. Examine the weather stripping of the windows to ensure that they are properly sealed to stop water from entering.
If you spot any areas of rotting It is important to test them for suppleness. This can be done by pressing down on the wood with either a screwdriver, or your finger. A healthy, solid wood will be able to withstand this pressure, while the wood that is rotting will fall easily. If the rot is more than 10%, it's best to replace the frame, rather than attempt to repair it.
After the timber sections that have been damaged have been treated and sanded, the next step. Begin with coarse-grit papers, then move on to finer grits. This will ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly into the remainder of the window. After sanding, the area can be primed and then painted so that the repair will be invisible to the naked eye.
In certain instances, if the rotting is serious and the timber is weak enough to be repaired, it might be necessary to have a lintel inserted above the window. It is an structural support beam that carries the weight of walls above the cavity in which the timber frames are placed. A lintel insertion can be performed by a structural engineer and is a great way to avoid the degrading of wooden windows in older buildings.
Take the Glass off
It is easier to deal with the broken glass when you remove the frame from the window. This makes the job easier. You'll want to shield yourself from the razor sharp shreds by wearing gloves as well as using a towel to wipe out each piece of glass. If you decide to save a few fragments, wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in a safe manner.
After you've removed the glass you can inspect the condition of the wood. It's a good idea to employ a damp cloth or sponge to clean the frame, sash and any vents you may have inserted into your windows. You can begin to remove the dirt and grime when there's lots. It is important to avoid putting chemicals or solvents in the frame or sash as this could cause damage.
It is best to replace any damaged components If you observe any signs of rust or corrosion on the hardware. This will improve the appearance and performance of your window and prevent the windows from jamming and squeaking.
Make sure that the hinges and sashes are in good working order, that they are able to move freely, and that there's no visible signs of rot on the frames. If the hinges or sashes become difficult to open or close, it's usually a sign that they're worn or out of alignment and require readjusting.
A majority of window problems are caused by the weather and moisture. The uptake of moisture causes local tension in the joints that are glued, which can lead to them opening up and allowing moisture in the frame. Moisture staining can be the result too.
Modern timbers such as Accoya or Red Grandis are more resistant to abrasion than conventional woods. It is a good idea to ask your joinery company what timbers they offer. It is crucial to select the right wood as different kinds of wood expand and contract at different rates. Selecting the wrong type can cause damage and decrease the lifespan of your new windows made from timber.
Remove the old Putty
Wooden windows are a typical feature in older structures. They can be repaired to look stunning and perform their functions in letting light in, blocking rain and insulating. Timber frames can become rotten when they are not maintained. Once this happens, the integrity of the windows is damaged and replacement could be required.
The first thing to be completed is to examine the condition of the frame and glazing putty (the substance that holds glass panes into the wooden sash). If large sections of timber are badly damaged it might not be possible to save them but they can often be put in and treated to ensure that the remainder of the window remains functional.
If you decide to proceed with a repair, the next step is to unhook the sash from its holder and place it on a solid flat surface like an officemate. It is also possible to take off the seals and handle in this step so that you can inspect them.
There are a number of different products that can be used to loosen and eliminate old putty but one of the best is to make use of a little of household Chlorine Bleach mixed with Raw Linseed Oil. It is then applied liberally on the old putty and let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes before scraping the surface with the chisel or razor blade. It is typically required to repeat the procedure several times to completely eliminate the old putty.
After removing the old putty, it is recommended that you need to thoroughly clean the frame and window to keep moisture from entering. This could mean sanding, stripping paint using gel type removers or even cutting off rotten wood sections and splicing fresh ones. If a splice is needed then it must be treated and painted with a sealant to avoid further damage.
After all the old putty is gone, it is time to apply fresh glazing putty to the window. A good quality linseed oil putty is recommended as it is much easier to sand, and will give an attractive finish to the window. Before applying the putty, it is recommended to roll a little out and form a "sausage" shape that is easy to apply and tidy in appearance once in position on the window frame.
Reattaching the Glass
Wooden windows are a long term investment for your home, and should be maintained regularly. If you don't take care of them for too long the frames will begin to decay and affect the structure, security, and insulation of your house. But, rather than replacing the entire window, it is often more cost-effective to fix them.
If a broken pane of glass is found, it can be repaired by using the appropriate size glass. The old glass should first be removed before the new glass placed in. It is simpler to accomplish this if the window is removed from its casing; it can be clamped down on an area of work with the caulked side of the window facing upwards, or inserted in a window frame that's been opened, and then shut.
The sash is held in place window repair near using putty, or (in older timber windows), panel pins. It's important to choose materials that look similar when you repair an older window. This will make the repairs blend into the existing decor and not make a statement. Most modern caulk products aren't suitable for historic homes and should be avoided.
The new glass will not fit properly if there are traces of paint or putty in the grooves of the rabbet. Be sure that there is no obstructions to the sash within the window frame. This could lead to a leak.
You can put a piece of clear tape or concealing tape over the crack to keep it in place. This will also stop any water from leaking through the crack. A solvent-based glass adhesive may also be used to fill in and keep the glass in place if it is in danger of separating from the sash.
If the sash or casing is in good shape, the problems with draughts, sticky hinges and locks can be fixed with cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're unsure about doing these tasks, a professional joiner who specialises in reworking wooden windows might be able to help.