When a wooden window frame becomes spongy and soft, and crumbles easily in the hands when touched, the window has become rotten. Learning how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows is a quick process, and a simple money-saver, for homeowners. The basic steps involve applying primer, applying epoxy, and then applying paint or stain, and a sealer.
The main enemies of a wooden window are sun and moisture. Both occur in nature every day, but moisture is the more malevolent of the two. The fungus which causes dry rot thrives in moist, unventilated conditions, such as those present between a layer of paint and a window sill. Excessive moisture, a damaged finish, or failed caulking, are just some of the reasons that wooden windows develop rot.
To begin the repair, homeowners must remove all rotten wood. With a paint scraper, or with a utility knife, old paint, caulk, and rotten wood should be scraped away, until new wood is reached. The new wood must be both coarse and dry before painting, so homeowners will have to sand, and dry the new wood beneath the rot.
Applying primer prepares the surface for further repair. Different brands may use the term "primer, " while others will use the term "consolidant." The material usually contains two equal parts of two different liquids, which the homeowner will mix together. The primer's job is to pre-treat the surface and to soak well into the grain of the wood.
The primer provides a solid base for the epoxy filler. If the dry rot goes down to the framing, homeowners should drill small, downward sloping holes, and then inject the consolidant. After application, the primer should be allowed to cure, according to the manufacturer's directions.
When the consolidant has completely cured, the epoxy may be applied. The best application tool is a trowel, so that the epoxy may be pressed into all gaps in the wood's surface, and into all damaged areas. When cured, according to the manufacturer's instructions, the epoxy should be sanded, and then either primed and painted, or stained. After painting or staining has been completed, the wood should be covered with waterproof sealer.
A rotten window is both an eyesore, and a beacon for fungal growth and moisture problems. Homeowners who learn how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, however, will easily be able to fix this cosmetic problem. Learning this simple repair will also allow homeowners to save a substantial amount on labor costs.
The main enemies of a wooden window are sun and moisture. Both occur in nature every day, but moisture is the more malevolent of the two. The fungus which causes dry rot thrives in moist, unventilated conditions, such as those present between a layer of paint and a window sill. Excessive moisture, a damaged finish, or failed caulking, are just some of the reasons that wooden windows develop rot.
To begin the repair, homeowners must remove all rotten wood. With a paint scraper, or with a utility knife, old paint, caulk, and rotten wood should be scraped away, until new wood is reached. The new wood must be both coarse and dry before painting, so homeowners will have to sand, and dry the new wood beneath the rot.
Applying primer prepares the surface for further repair. Different brands may use the term "primer, " while others will use the term "consolidant." The material usually contains two equal parts of two different liquids, which the homeowner will mix together. The primer's job is to pre-treat the surface and to soak well into the grain of the wood.
The primer provides a solid base for the epoxy filler. If the dry rot goes down to the framing, homeowners should drill small, downward sloping holes, and then inject the consolidant. After application, the primer should be allowed to cure, according to the manufacturer's directions.
When the consolidant has completely cured, the epoxy may be applied. The best application tool is a trowel, so that the epoxy may be pressed into all gaps in the wood's surface, and into all damaged areas. When cured, according to the manufacturer's instructions, the epoxy should be sanded, and then either primed and painted, or stained. After painting or staining has been completed, the wood should be covered with waterproof sealer.
A rotten window is both an eyesore, and a beacon for fungal growth and moisture problems. Homeowners who learn how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, however, will easily be able to fix this cosmetic problem. Learning this simple repair will also allow homeowners to save a substantial amount on labor costs.
About the Author:
Keeping your sash windows in good repair is a task for the professionals. If you like the ambiance of wooden windows, they will need regular maintenance and renovation.
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