How To Deal With Timber Rot On Your Windows

By Author: J Davidson
Total Articles: 2
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Timber framed windows are common on period homes and can last for hundreds of years if maintained and cared for by the homeowners. They add to the aesthetics of the home and are still popular on many modern homes. However, the timber frames can get wood rot if you don't take care.

In this article we will explain what wood rot is, how you can prevent it and what your need to do if your windows have wood rot.

WHAT IS WINDOW WOOD ROT?
Wood rot can appear on the window frame or sills and is mainly caused by exposure to moisture from rain, precipitation and condensation. Rot can be identified if you find that some of the timber has become soft and has changed colour. Once your window frame has rot, the windows may not hang correctly, you may get draughts and leaks.

HOW TO PREVENT WOOD ROT ON YOUR WINDOWS
There are several steps you can take to prevent timber rot from becoming a problem in your casement windows or sash and case windows.

The first step is to ensure you carry out regular inspections and maintenance. Check for problem signs regularly, like peeling paint and cracks in the wood. ...
... By detecting problems early on, you can prevent rot from becoming a more serious problem.

Always protect your window frames from the elements and indoor condensation using high-quality paint or varnish and sealant. These protect the wood from moisture by creating a protective barrier, reducing the absorption of moisture.

It’s usually best to repaint or revarnish and reseal your window frames once every few years. However, this will depend on various factors including the quality of the paint, how much exposure your windows have to the elements and your climate. This problem is common in Scotland because we have a wet climate without the heat to quickly dry the wood.

Condensation can also cause window rot, so good ventilation is essential inside the rooms. This is even more important in rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, where humidity levels are higher.

Finally, check your gutters regularly. When the gutters on your property are working efficiently, they direct the water away from your windows. Clean them regularly to remove the build-up of sediment so water does not spill over and contact the window frames. If your period property has beautiful external cornices, ensure they do not get damaged as their main purpose is to direct water away from the building.

HOW TO REPAIR WINDOWS DAMAGED BY WOOD ROT
Prevention is always better than cure, but window rot can be challenging, and sometimes rot can set in. Please don't ignore the problem as the sooner it is fixed, the easier and cheaper the repair. If you don't act fact it could result in you needing to replace the window.

The first step is to check the damage and see how bad it is. It may be superficial, in which case repairs will be easier. You may just need to remove the rot, fill the gap with a good wood filler, sand the area and then prime and paint it. However, if the rot has set in, more drastic measures are needed.

These involve removing the rotten wood, a task you must do very carefully to reduce the risk of damage to other parts of the window.

Once the affected wood has been removed, you will need to fill in the leftover space. Epoxy fillers bond with the wood, and you can then sand down the area once it’s dry.

Next, apply a primer. This will help when it comes to painting the window frame by ensuring better adhesion and it also provides an additional barrier. Then paint the window when it’s ready to add another protective barrier.

GET HELP FROM THE PROFESSIONALS
Restoring damage from window rot is a complex task, and you can cause more damage if you go about it incorrectly. It makes sense to get professional help for your precious windows.

Eco Sash and Case in Edinburgh, have got the tools, skills and expertise to help restore your beautiful casement windows and sash and case windows. They also use a Superior Paint System that lasts much longer than traditional gloss paint treatments.

Owner of Eco Sash & Case in Edinburgh. We repair, refurbish, and make new sash and case windows and casement windows.