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How to Repair Timber Windows Timber windows can be a stunning feature of a home. They are susceptible to deterioration in time, particularly when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Repairs are cheaper than replacing window frames. This will help you save money and the home retains its original style. Repairing rotten wood Window frames made of wood are exposed to the elements all year round, and are often one of the first parts of a house to show signs of damp and damage. Fortunately, a lot of instances of rotten wood can be repaired and treated quickly. The key is to spot the issue and act before it gets worse, or worse damage may occur. It is crucial to determine the extent of the rot, and then determine whether or not it is repairable. Start by conducting a thorough inspection from the outside and examining the roof for damaged slates, tiles and blocked rain gutters and defective damp-proof course (DPC). It is also an excellent idea to look at the inside of the house including basements and cellars, and joist ends in non-cavity walls. When you've identified the area that is affected by the rot, it is essential to get rid of the wood that has rotted as soon as you can. This will reduce the extent of damage and help in completing the rest of the repair work. The next step is to use a pry bar or clawed hammer to remove as much of the rotten timber as you can. This can be a bit difficult however, by putting the clawed end of the pry bar into the corner and rubbing it against the healthy wood, you should be able to create enough leverage to break the old timber free. When you remove the rotten wood, ensure that you leave a gap between the two. This will help prevent moisture from getting into the gap and cause further damage to the timbers around it. It's also worth removing any nails and other debris from the area to reduce the risk of further leaks and damage. After removing as much of the rotten timber as you can be able to, the remaining timber can be fixed with wood filler or epoxy. This is a reasonably cost-effective and simple way to fix wood rot on timber windows. It can be sanded and painted to match the existing frame. If the degree of decay is extensive However, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire frame by a new one, particularly if you're looking for a long-term solution that will ensure that moisture isn't able to penetrate further. It is also possible to speak with a professional wood window repair service to determine what options are available to you. Splicing or scarfing in Timber windows are a classic choice for period buildings and listed homes, however they can also be used to improve new properties. Although they cost more, they offer long-term benefits and increase value. They can be made in any size and are robust. They are also easy to retrofit and offer superior thermal performance. upvc window repair near me require regular maintenance, particularly painting. Softwoods and hardwoods are the two main types of wood. Hardwoods are broad-leafed deciduous trees with a complex cellular structure. This provides them with excellent stability in terms of size. Softwoods however are needle-leafed or coniferous trees and have a much simpler cell structure. Traditional structural joints in timber frames were made by mortices and Tenons, also known as comb joints. These joins are pinned or nailed in place and are not joined with adhesive. Over time, water ingress freely passes between sections of timber, which can cause rot or staining. Poor workmanship can contribute to this. Fixtures that aren't properly inserted or are not covered can allow moisture to get into the frame. This can lead to rust stains and water deposits on the window board in the event that it is allowed to happen. It is not recommended to replace existing timber sash window with uPVC, especially in listed buildings or historic structures. This could compromise the structural integrity of the building. uPVC is also a low-quality product with a short life. It is disposed of in landfill. Modern timbers such as Accoya and Red Grandis are impregnated and treated, so that they are resistant to the effects of weather conditions and insects. These windows can last for a lifetime if they're painted and maintained properly. They can also be outfitted with burglar-proof glazing that increases the force required to open the window and makes it harder to smash. While replacing timber sash using uPVC is initially cheaper however, it's not a good option for period or listed properties because it will damage the integrity and breach the planning permission. uPVC is also noisy, and will last a limited time before it needs to be replaced. Filling in cracks and splinters If you take care of your timber windows, they can last for many years. They can improve a building's appearance, add decoration, and fulfill their primary purpose of keeping a property safe, dry and warm. As with all things, they can be susceptible to wear and tear and, when this occurs, it is vital that they are taken care of and restored. Wood rot is the most prevalent issue that can affect windows made of wood and doors, and it's not just the case of replacing damaged parts. When the frame is damaged by rot, it can be a difficult repair. That's why it's essential that you carry out regular checks on your timber windows, especially prior to winter comes around. The relentless rain and freezing temperatures can be particularly harsh on them, increasing the chance of moisture penetration. When a window is taken down it is important to take notes of the condition of the frames and identifying any areas that are badly damaged. This will help you save time and money as the restoration process will be much easier. It can also save you the cost of replacing the entire window. If you're looking to replace a damaged section of a window made of timber it is recommended to splice in or scarf in a new piece of seasoned wood rather than trying to repair the existing one. This can be done by cutting the damaged area to a minimum of 5cm above the point of rot, or by removing the entire sash and splicing in a new piece of wood. The final step is to treat the timber with a suitable preservative. This is to prevent moisture from getting into the wood, which could cause it to rot and weaken the structure of the frame. It is crucial to paint your windows regularly in the event that you don't intend to treat them. In most cases, windows made of wood that are in need of repairs can be repaired by the handy DIYer. However in the event that the internal linings or sashes are broken it may be necessary to take down the window and re-build them. One of the more tricky problems to fix is a broken counterbalance rope on double-hung windows, as these are only replaced by taking the sashes off and disassembling the frame. Painting A good paint job will do wonders for your windows made of wood. It can make them appear new and fresh however, it can also help keep them healthy by covering any rot or other problems. Make sure that the wood is completely dried before you begin painting. Moisture can cause wet decay. If you are not sure, use a wood moisture meter for testing the moisture content of the wood. There is a possibility of moisture even if the wood appears and is dry to the touch, so it is crucial to be aware of if your window frames are still susceptible to wet rot. Before painting, it's a good idea to wipe over the whole frame with a soft, damp cloth and then remove any grease or oil marks. This will prevent you from spreading dirt and makes cleaning easier. It's also worth taking off the handles from windows If you have them and putting them on one side. This will make it much easier to work on the frames without worrying about breaking the glass. Apply a thin layer of primer with a clean, dry brush once you are ready. This will give the surface a bit more depth and prepare it for the top coat of paint. Allow it to dry and then sand it gently using fine sandpaper to give it a smooth finish. The next step is to apply the first coat of paint. Paint in a thin, even layer. After the paint has dried, sand the surface once more before applying the second coat. Repeat this procedure until your window has the desired colour and finish. It's possible that you need to re-paint your windows made of timber every 6 to 10 years, based on where they are and the amount of sun they receive. Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your windows made of timber look and function at their best as long as you are able to.