How To Repair Rot And Decay On Wooden Windows With These Tips
Friday, December 30th, 2011The steps for how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows are not difficult. It simply involves digging out the affected areas and filling in gaps with putty. After this dries paint is applied over the area, hiding any evidence of the work. If done well, no noticeable changes should be present. However, determining the cause of problems is recommended so that they do not reoccur.
For removing and filling in problem areas the following tools will be necessary: wood putty, a putty knife, sandpaper, and a drill motor. Make sure the motor has a one-eighth-inch drill bit. Following decay removal and filling, caulking will be needed in addition to primer and paint. Painting tools will also be necessary.
First the old paint on the decaying windowsill needs to be scraped away to readily access the wood underneath. Then all rotten areas must be thoroughly dug out. To do this it will be necessary to dig through the layer of dried decay and into a new underlying wood layer. Inspect the area with care to ensure than there are no rotten materials still present before continuing.
Afterwards, mix and prepare wood putty so it can be used. To make sure this putty is properly held to the frame, drill holes within the repair area. Then fill in these holes and any other gaping areas where the rot used to be with putty. The surface should be as smooth as is possible, and make sure to eliminate the presence of holes or pockets. If not completely smooth, this is not a problem, as most inconsistencies can be sanded away. In contrast, any gaps that are left will require refilling.
After this application, leave the putty to dry for as long as is recommended in the instructions on its package. When dried, sand it down to a smooth finish and to fit the shape of the original frame. When spots have been missed and gaps are still present, it is necessary to reapply the filler, let it dry, and sand it again.
After this is done, caulk the area. Then add some primer and cover it with paint. If done properly it should be almost impossible to tell that any changes have occurred.
Upon finishing this entire procedure, try to find out why the problem happened. It may have been improper maintaining of the frame, or it could be that there are leaks in the back of the sill. Look behind any storm windows for improperly drilled weep holes. If these exist, water may have pooled and caused the damage.
The answer for how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows is simple. It requires only a few key steps. First, remove all of the decaying areas and fill them in. Then smooth the area and shape it to match the rest of the frame. A layer of paint finishes the job. When all is complete, no signs should exist to signal work was done.
Have a quick look at our site for simple tips on how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows, today. You can also find more info about the benefits of refurbishing sash windows now .