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How to Repair Timber Windows Timber windows can be an attractive feature of a home. They are susceptible to decay in time, particularly if they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Repairs are much more cost-effective than replacing window frames. This will save you money and also help the property keep its original look. Repairing rotten wood Wooden window frames are exposed to the elements throughout the year, and are often one of the first parts of a home to be affected by damp and damage. Luckily, many instances of rotten wood can be repaired and treated quickly. The trick is to recognize the problem and address it before it worsens, or worse damage could occur. Initially, it's essential to assess the extent of the rot, and then determine whether or not it's salvable. A thorough inspection of the exterior is usually a good way to start, checking for slates or tiles that are damaged on the roof as well as blocked guttering and damaged damp proof course (DPC). You should also check the inside of the house including the cellars and basements as well as the joist's ends on a non-cavity walls. Once you've identified the area which is affected by rot, it's important to remove as much of the rotten timber as you can. upvc window repair near me will reduce the amount of damage and help in completing the repairs. The next step is to employ a pry bar or clawed hammer to try and remove as much of the decayed timber as you can. It can be difficult to do, but by pushing the clawed edge against the healthy board and inserting the pry bar into the corner you'll be able to create enough leverage to free the old wood. Be sure to leave a clear gap between the woods when you are removing the wood that is rotting. This will help prevent moisture from entering the gap and causing damage to the surrounding timbers. To minimize the risk of further damage and leaks, it's worth removing any debris and nails from the affected area. After taking out as much of the rotten timber as you can and then the remaining boards can be fixed with wood filler or epoxy. This is a reasonably affordable and simple method to repair wood rot on windows made of timber. It can be sanded and painted to match the existing frame. If the rot is serious, it could be more cost-effective to replace the whole window frame, especially in the case of a long-term fix to stop further moisture penetration. You may also want to consult a professional wood window repair service to determine what options you have. Splicing or scarfing in Timber windows are a traditional choice for period buildings and listed houses, but they can also be used to enhance new properties. They are more expensive than uPVC however they offer 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 insulated glass units (IGUs) and they offer outstanding thermal performance. They do require regular maintenance, particularly painting. Hardwoods and softwoods are the two main categories of wood. Hardwoods come from broad-leafed, deciduous trees and have a very complex cellular structure, which gives them dimension stability. Softwoods however originate from coniferous or needle-leafed trees. They 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. Water can easily pass between the timber sections and cause rot, or staining. Poor craftsmanship can contribute to this. For example, fixings that are exposed or punched incorrectly can cause moisture to penetrate the frame. If this is allowed to happen it could result in water deposits and rust staining on window boards. Replacing the windows of sash timber with uPVC is not a common option, especially for historic and listed buildings, as they undermine the integrity of the building. uPVC is also a low-quality material with a limited lifespan. It ends up in landfill. Modern timbers like Accoya and Red Grandis are treated and impregnated to ensure that they are able to withstand the effects of weather conditions and insects. Properly maintained and painted, these windows will provide the longest service. They can be fitted with burglar proof glass which increases the force needed to open the windows and makes them harder to break. While replacing timber sash windows using uPVC might be less expensive initially but it's not a feasible option for historic or listed buildings, since it could damage the property's integrity and could be in violation of planning permission. Furthermore, uPVC can be very noisy and has a limited lifespan before they start to wear out and require replacement. Filling cracks or splinters If they are treated with the proper care and attention timber windows can be in service for many years. They can enhance a home's appearance, add decorative features and serve their primary purpose of keeping a property warm, dry and secure. As with everything they are subject to damage and wear. It is important that they be treated and restored when this happens. Wood decay is the most frequent problem that can affect timber windows and it's more than an issue of replacing rotten parts. When the frame is damaged by rot, it could be difficult to repair. It's important to check your windows made of wood frequently, particularly before winter months. They can be especially damaged by the freezing temperatures and pounding rain. When a window is dismantled it is important to take an inventory of the frame's condition and identifying any areas that are severely damaged. This will help you save time and money as the restoration process will be much simpler. You can save money by not needing to replace the entire window. If you are looking to replace a damaged piece of a wooden window it is always better to splice or scarf in a new piece seasoned wood rather than attempting to repair the old one. This can be accomplished by cutting out the damage to at least 5cm over the point of rot or by removing the entire window sash before splicing in the new piece of wood. The final step is treating the wood with an anti-microbial. This will prevent moisture from entering the wood which can cause it rot and weaken its structure. If you do not plan to treat your windows, it is essential that you paint them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition. Most timber windows can be repaired with a handy DIYer. If the sashes have been damaged or the internal linings have been damaged, it might be required for the window to be dismantled and rebuilt. One of the more tricky problems to fix is a damaged counterbalance rope on double-hung windows as these can only be replaced by taking the sashes off and disassembling the frame. Painting A fresh coat of paint will do wonders for your windows made of timber. It can make the windows appear new and fresh. However, it can also keep them in good health by covering any signs of rot or other issues. Make sure that the wood is dry before you begin painting. This is crucial, since moisture can trigger wet rot. Utilize a wood moisture meter in case you are not sure. There is a possibility of moisture even if the wood looks and appears dry to the touch, so it is essential to know whether your window frames are susceptible to wet rot. Before you begin painting, it's an excellent idea to clean the entire frame with a soft moist cloth and then remove any grease or oil marks. This will prevent you from spreading dirt and makes cleaning easier. If you have window handles, it's worth removing them and putting them away. This will make it easier to work on the frames without having to worry about breaking the glass. When you are ready to begin painting, use your clean brush and apply a thin coat of primer. This will give your surface a little more depth, and also prepare it for the final coat of paint. Dry it and then sand lightly with fine sandpaper to give it a smooth finish. The first coat of paint is now applied. Paint in a thin, even layer. After the paint has dried, sand down the surface again gently before applying the second coat. Repeat this process until you're happy with the colour and appearance of your window. Be aware that you could need to repaint timber windows about every 6-10 years, dependent on their location and the amount of sun they get. Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure that your windows made of timber look and perform at their best as long as you can.