10 Ways To Build Your Repair Timber Windows Empire
How to Repair Timber Windows
To ensure that timber windows remain functional and free from swelling and decay, they require regular maintenance. If sash is not properly maintained and treated, windows can suffer from rattling, sticking, and draughts.
Examine for areas of rot on the window frame. If the rot is severe it might be worth looking into replacing the entire frame.
Check the condition
Wooden windows are an attractive addition to any house. They offer natural beauty as well as a superior level of security. However, they can be vulnerable to damage and deterioration, and the condition of wood windows and sashes must be regularly assessed to ensure they continue to perform in the way they were designed to.
Rot is one of the most common problems that window frames made of wood confront. Wood is susceptible to rot due to excessive water exposure which causes timber to soften and spongy. The good news is that decay can be treated and the wood restored to its original condition with some effort and perseverance.
To evaluate the condition of timber windows, you should first look for signs of damage like cracks, loose parts and even a few pieces. Check the weather stripping of the windows to ensure they are properly sealed to keep out water infiltration.
It is important to check for softness if you see any rotting. This can be done by pressing down on the wood with a screwdriver or your finger. Solid, healthy wood will be able resist this pressure. The wood that is rotting will simply fall apart. If the rot is more than 10%, it's recommended to replace the frame instead of attempt to repair it.
After the damaged sections of timber have been treated and sanded, the next step. It is best to begin with a sandpaper that is coarse in grit, then move on to finer grits until the repaired section is smooth and blends seamlessly into the remainder of the window. After sanding the damaged area, it can be primed, then painted to make the repair invisible.
In some cases, if the rotting is severe and the timber is too weak to be repaired, it may be necessary to put an lintel placed above the window. It's a structural support beam that carries the weight of walls above the cavity in which the frames of timber are. A structural engineer can put in an lintel in order to prevent decay and decay of old windows made of timber.
Take the Glass off
If a window has been damaged, it is recommended to remove it from the frame and work around that, rather than working around the glass. This makes the task easier. You'll want to shield yourself from the razor-sharp shreds by wearing gloves as well as using a towel while wiggling out each piece of glass. If you end up saving some fragments, make sure to wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them properly.
After you've removed the glass, you can check out the condition of the timber. Use window glass repairs or cloth to clean your window frame as well as the sash and any vents. If there's a lot of dirt and grime then you'll be able to get rid of it. It is important to avoid putting chemicals or solvents in the frame and sash, as this could cause damage.
If you observe any signs of corrosion or rust on the hardware then it is recommended to take off and replace the damaged components. This will improve the appearance and function of your windows, and also prevent the windows from jamming or squeaking in service.
Check that the frames and hinges are in good condition and that they can move freely, and that there's no visible decay on the frames. If the hinges and sashes are difficult to open or close it's typically a sign that they're worn-out or out of alignment and need to be re-adjusted.
A majority of window issues are caused by the weather and moisture. Moisture uptake can create local stress on the joint that is exposed to the gluing and result in them opening up and let in moisture. This can lead to moisture staining.
Fortunately, modern woods such as Accoya and Red Grandis can withstand a lot more damage than standard timbers and therefore it's worth checking with the company you choose to work with to determine which type of timber they can offer. It is important to choose the right wood as different types of wood expand and contract at different rates. If you choose the wrong kind, it could cause damage and reduce the life expectancy of your timber windows.
Remove the old Putty
Windows made of wood are an indisputable feature of many older buildings and if inspected and carefully repaired can be made to look beautiful and serve their important functions like letting in light and preventing rain from entering, as well as providing insulation. If neglected, however the frames of timber can become susceptible to wood rot, and, once this happens, the integrity of the window is damaged and a replacement could be required.
The first step is to examine the condition and quality of the frame as well as the glazing putty. It is the material that holds the glass panes within the wooden sash. It might not be possible for large sections of wood to be saved, however they can be spliced and treated in order to keep the remainder of the window functional.
If you decide to proceed by making repairs, the next step is to take the sash from the carrier and place it on a level surface such as a workmate. It is recommended to take off the handle and seals at this point as well so that you can inspect their condition.
There are a variety of different products that can be used to loosen and eliminate old putty. One of the best is to use a bit of Household Chlorine Bleach mixed with raw Linseed Oil. This is liberally applied to the old putty, and then left to sit for 15 to 20 mins before scraping it off with the help of a chisel or razor. It is often required to repeat the process 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 stop moisture from entering. This could mean sanding them down, stripping paint layers using strippers that are gel-like or cutting out rotten sections of timber before splicing new ones. If a splice is required, then it should be treated and painted with a sealant to avoid further damage.
After removing the old glazing putty, it's time to apply a new one to the window. It is best to use a high-quality oil-based linseed putty because it will be easier to sand. It will also give the window a nice, smooth finish. Before applying the putty, it is a good idea to roll a little out and create a "sausage" shape that will be easy to apply and clean in appearance after being placed on the frame of the window.
Reattaching the Glass
Wooden windows are an investment that will last for many years. They must be maintained regularly. If you don't take care of them for too long the frames will begin to decay and cause damage to the structure, security, and insulation of your home. Repairing windows is usually cheaper than replacing it.
In the case of glass that has been damaged the sash window can be repaired by removing the old glass and then filling and re-glazing the opening with the appropriate size of the new glass. It is easier to do this if the window is removed from its casing it can be firmly clamped on a work surface with the caulked side of the window facing upwards, or inserted into a window frame that's been opened and then secured shut.
The sash is secured with putty, or (in older timber windows) panel pins. It's important to choose materials that look similar when repairing an older window. This will help the repairs blend in and not make a statement. The majority of modern caulks aren't suitable for homes with historical architecture and should be avoided.
The new glass will not fit correctly if there are traces of putty or paint in the grooves for rabbets. Also, make sure there isn't any debris in the sash window or around the frame that could cause leaks.
A piece of clear tape or concealing tape can be applied over the crack to hold it in place and to stop water from entering the gap that could create. If glass is at risk of being detached from the sash, solvent-based glue for glass can be used to fill in the crack and hold it in place.
If the sash and casing are in good condition and the draughts can be addressed by cleaning, lubricating and painting. If you're not confident in carrying out these basic tasks, a specialist joiner who is skilled in reworking wooden windows might be able to assist.