Timber is one of the major components of almost any house. However, its quality can fast deteriorate, if not maintained properly. Dampness poses the major threat to this material and makes it susceptible to rot and decay. This results costly damages to structures such as wooden windows. Some damages are severe while others can be simply repaired. Therefore, it is important to learn how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows.
It is good to know some basics of the problem first. The condition is actually caused by a saprophytic fungus that grows on the material. The moisture only creates a supportive environment for its growth. As the fungus grows, it makes the timber an ideal food source causing the damage.
All the damaged areas should be thoroughly checked before one could start handling the problem. You should give special attention to lower rails, upright pieces and joints of the structure. You should remember that the most affected areas are those that are in contact with damp walls and concrete. The other area that is mostly affected is the glazing beads. This happens when there is failure on external putty or when one fixes the beads without this compound.
To confirm if an area is affected, you should know a few things. When affected, timber becomes very soft. Unfortunately, most signs are only visible when the dampness has gone, leaving the surface to shrink or collapse. Try prodding an area using a screwdriver, and if it slips in easily it means that the timber is affected. Unless the damage is severe, there will be no need to panic since the problem can be easily treated.
All you need to treat the area is a liquid wood hardener and some good quality putty. You must first drill holes in the whole damaged area in a honeycomb pattern before filling the hardener. This will make sure that the liquid reaches the entire affected part. After filling the holes, adequate time must be allowed for the liquid to completely harden.
After the hardener is completely dried, you can cover the holes and cracks with some high quality putty. To recover the smoothness the putty has to be sanded down later. This will complete the work and make the entire surface look uniform.
Now that you know how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, you can fix any minor problem. Do make sure that you properly maintain the timber next time. Dampness, especially after showers of rain, needs quick removal. This will help avoid costly replacements in the future.
It is good to know some basics of the problem first. The condition is actually caused by a saprophytic fungus that grows on the material. The moisture only creates a supportive environment for its growth. As the fungus grows, it makes the timber an ideal food source causing the damage.
All the damaged areas should be thoroughly checked before one could start handling the problem. You should give special attention to lower rails, upright pieces and joints of the structure. You should remember that the most affected areas are those that are in contact with damp walls and concrete. The other area that is mostly affected is the glazing beads. This happens when there is failure on external putty or when one fixes the beads without this compound.
To confirm if an area is affected, you should know a few things. When affected, timber becomes very soft. Unfortunately, most signs are only visible when the dampness has gone, leaving the surface to shrink or collapse. Try prodding an area using a screwdriver, and if it slips in easily it means that the timber is affected. Unless the damage is severe, there will be no need to panic since the problem can be easily treated.
All you need to treat the area is a liquid wood hardener and some good quality putty. You must first drill holes in the whole damaged area in a honeycomb pattern before filling the hardener. This will make sure that the liquid reaches the entire affected part. After filling the holes, adequate time must be allowed for the liquid to completely harden.
After the hardener is completely dried, you can cover the holes and cracks with some high quality putty. To recover the smoothness the putty has to be sanded down later. This will complete the work and make the entire surface look uniform.
Now that you know how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, you can fix any minor problem. Do make sure that you properly maintain the timber next time. Dampness, especially after showers of rain, needs quick removal. This will help avoid costly replacements in the future.
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Have a quick look at our tips to repair rot and decay on wooden windows easily, now! You can also get details about how and where to find a sash windows restoration specialist on the Internet.
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