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How to Repair Timber Windows Timber windows can be a stunning feature of a house. They can deteriorate over time, particularly when they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Instead of replacing wooden window frames, it's much better to carry out repairs. This will save you money, and the property retains its original style. Repairing rotten wood Wooden window frames are constantly exposed to the elements and are among of the first parts of a home that exhibit signs of damage and damp. Fortunately, a lot of instances of decayed timber are repairable and can be treated quickly. It is essential to determine the problem and address it as soon as you can. In the absence of action, the problem could worsen. It's important to first assess the extent of the rot and determine if it can be salvaged. Begin by conducting an extensive inspection from the outside to look for damaged roof tiles, slates as well as blocked rain gutters and defective damp-proof course (DPC). It is also an excellent idea to look at the inside of the property, including cellars and basements and joist ends that are non-cavity walls. Once you've identified the area that is affected by rot, it's crucial to get rid of as much of the rotten timber as you can. This will minimize the extent of damage and help in completing the repairs. Next, use a clawed hammer or pry bar to get rid of the most rotten wood feasible. It isn't easy to do however, by pressing the clawed end of the hammer against the healthy wood and then inserting the pry bar in the corner, you will be able create enough leverage to free the old wood. Make sure you leave a clear space between the timbers when removing the rotten wood. This will stop moisture from leaking into the wood and causing damage to the timbers around the gap. It's also recommended to remove any nails or other debris from the area to minimise the risk of future leaks and damage. After getting rid of as much decayed timber as you are able to and then the remaining boards can be repaired with epoxy or wood filler. This is a fairly inexpensive and easy way to repair wood rot on timber windows. It can be sanded, then painted to match your current frame. If the rot is severe it might be cheaper to replace the whole window frame, especially if you want a long-term fix to stop further water penetration. It's also a good idea to call an expert timber window repair service to find out what alternatives are available to you. Splicing or scarfing Timber windows are a traditional option for older buildings and listed homes, however they can also be used to upgrade new properties. They are more expensive than uPVC however, they offer long-term advantages and increase the value of your home. They are extremely robust and can be cut to any size. They are also simple to retrofit and provide excellent thermal performance. However, they require regular maintenance – especially painting. There are two main categories of timber: softwoods and hardwoods. Hardwoods are deciduous broad-leafed trees with an intricate cellular structure. This gives them good stability in terms of size. Softwoods, on the other hand originate from coniferous or needle-leafed trees. They have a simpler cell structure. Traditional structural joints in timber frames were made by mortices and Tenons or comb joints. These joints are nailed or pinched into place, but are not bonded with adhesive. As time passes, water freely passes between sections of timber, resulting in staining or rot. Poor workmanship can be an element in. For example fixings that are not covered or not properly punched in could cause moisture to penetrate the frame. This could lead to rust stains and water deposits on the window boards in the event that it is allowed to occur. It is not recommended to replace existing timber sash windows with uPVC, especially in listed buildings or historic structures. This could compromise the integrity of the structure. Additionally, uPVC windows have a short life expectancy and eventually end up in landfill. Modern timbers, such as Accoya or Red Grandis are impregnated with a specific treatment that makes them resistant to weather conditions and pests. Properly maintained and painted, these windows will provide a lifetime of service. They can be fitted with burglar proof glazing which increases the force required to open the windows and makes them harder to break. While replacing timber sash using uPVC is initially cheaper however, it's not an ideal option for period or listed properties because it will damage the integrity of the building and also infringe on planning permission. uPVC is also noisy, and has a short lifespan before it has to be replaced. Filling cracks and splinters If you take care of your timber windows, they'll last for a long time. They can enhance a building's appearance, add decoration and fulfil their primary purpose of keeping a property safe, dry and warm. As with all things, they can be prone to wear and tear and, when this occurs it is crucial to treat them and get repaired. Wood rot is an issue for timber windows. It's not enough to fix the rotten pieces. If a frame is damaged by rot, it can be extremely difficult to repair. It is for this reason that it is essential that you carry out regular inspections of your wood windows, especially prior to winter comes around. The constant cold and rain can be extremely harsh on the windows, thereby increasing the chance of moisture penetration. When a window is dismantled it is important to take an inventory of the condition of the frames and identifying any areas that are badly damaged. This will help you save time and money in the long term because it makes the repair process much simpler. It can also save you the expense of replacing a whole window. If you are looking to replace a damaged part of a wooden window it is recommended to splice or wrap in a brand new piece of matured wood instead of trying to repair the damaged one. This can be done by cutting the damage to a minimum of 5cm above the point of rot or by removing the whole window sash before splicing in an entirely new piece of wood. The final step is to treat the wood with an appropriate preservative. This will stop moisture from entering the wood, which could cause it to rot and weaken its structure. If you are not going to treat your windows, it's vital that you paint them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition. In the majority of instances, windows made of timber that require repairs can be fixed by the handy DIYer. If the sashes are broken or the internal linings have been damaged, it might be required that the window be dismantled and rebuilt. One of the most difficult problems to fix is a broken counterbalance rope for double-hung windows because they can only be replaced by removing the sashes and disassembling the frame. Painting upvc windows repairs near me -painted finish can make a big difference on windows made of wood. It can make them appear fresh and new However, it also helps keep them healthy by covering up any rot or other problems. Make sure that the wood is dry before you begin painting. This is vital, as moisture can cause wet rot. Use a wood moisture gauge if you are unsure. Even when the wood feels and looks dry, moisture could be present. It is essential to know how to tell the presence of wet decay. Before you start painting, it's recommended to wipe over the whole frame with a soft moist cloth and remove any grease or oil marks. This will stop you from spreading dirt and make cleaning easier. It's also worth taking off the handles on your windows If you have them and putting them on one side. This will make it easier to work with the frames, without having to worry about breaking the glass. If you are ready to begin painting, grab your clean brush and apply a thin coat of primer. This will give your surface more depth and help prepare it for the final coat of paint. Dry it and then lightly sand it using fine sandpaper for smoothness. It is then time to apply the first coat of paint. Paint in a thin, even layer. Once the paint has dried, sand the surface once more before applying the second coat. Repeat this procedure until your window has the colour and finish you desire. It is possible to paint your windows made of timber every 6 to 10 years, based on the location and the amount of sun they get. Regular maintenance is the best method to ensure that your timber windows appear and function at their best for as long as you are able to.