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.
You should also know how to confirm a particular area is affected. The affected timber becomes extremely soft. Most signs become visible after the dampness is gone and the surface starts to collapse and shrink. To confirm, you can simply prod the area with a screwdriver. It will slip in easily if the timber is affected. If the damage is not severe, there will be no need to panic since the problem can be treated.
Start by treating the area with liquid wood hardener as well as good quality putty. The first step is to drill holes in the damaged area, using a honeycomb pattern, and filling them with hardener. Doing so ensures that the liquid can reach the entire affected area. After filling the holes, give the liquid time to 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.
Since you know how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows now, any minor problem can be simply dealt yourself. However, make sure the timber parts are properly maintained next time. Any dampness especially after showers of rain must be immediately eliminated. This will help you avoid costly replacements.
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.
You should also know how to confirm a particular area is affected. The affected timber becomes extremely soft. Most signs become visible after the dampness is gone and the surface starts to collapse and shrink. To confirm, you can simply prod the area with a screwdriver. It will slip in easily if the timber is affected. If the damage is not severe, there will be no need to panic since the problem can be treated.
Start by treating the area with liquid wood hardener as well as good quality putty. The first step is to drill holes in the damaged area, using a honeycomb pattern, and filling them with hardener. Doing so ensures that the liquid can reach the entire affected area. After filling the holes, give the liquid time to 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.
Since you know how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows now, any minor problem can be simply dealt yourself. However, make sure the timber parts are properly maintained next time. Any dampness especially after showers of rain must be immediately eliminated. This will help you avoid costly replacements.
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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 where to find a sash windows restoration specialist on the Internet.
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