Homeowners may save a substantial amount of money by learning how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows. The process involves putting on a primer, adding an epoxy, and finishing with paint or stain, and a waterproof sealer. Windows will look as good as new, instead of feeling spongy and soft, and crumbly when touched.
Rot may be caused by either sun, or moisture. Both elements are abundantly present in nature, and moisture is typically the more dangerous of the two. Moist, airtight conditions, such as those between a bead of caulk and a wood frame, provide the perfect environment for fungal growth, and dry rot. Failed caulking, damaged finish, and excessive moisture are all reasons that a window might begin to decay.
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.
When rot is removed, primer, or consolidant, should be applied. A primer is usually comprised of two liquids, and equal portions of each liquid are mixed to form the final material. The primer soaks into the wood, pre-treating the surface, so that epoxy will adhere.
Applying primer becomes more involved if the rot goes down to the frame. In this case, a homeowner should drill small, sloping pits, into which he or she should inject primer. When primer has been applied, it should cure for the time period specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
One or two coats of epoxy may be necessary, depending on the severity of the decay. Homeowners should mix the epoxy and apply it, using a trowel to press into gaps in wood, and into damaged areas. The epoxy should then be allowed to cure, per the manufacturer's directions, until it is ready to be sanded. After sanding, homeowners may prime and paint, or stain, the surface, and then finish the job by applying a 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.
Rot may be caused by either sun, or moisture. Both elements are abundantly present in nature, and moisture is typically the more dangerous of the two. Moist, airtight conditions, such as those between a bead of caulk and a wood frame, provide the perfect environment for fungal growth, and dry rot. Failed caulking, damaged finish, and excessive moisture are all reasons that a window might begin to decay.
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.
When rot is removed, primer, or consolidant, should be applied. A primer is usually comprised of two liquids, and equal portions of each liquid are mixed to form the final material. The primer soaks into the wood, pre-treating the surface, so that epoxy will adhere.
Applying primer becomes more involved if the rot goes down to the frame. In this case, a homeowner should drill small, sloping pits, into which he or she should inject primer. When primer has been applied, it should cure for the time period specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
One or two coats of epoxy may be necessary, depending on the severity of the decay. Homeowners should mix the epoxy and apply it, using a trowel to press into gaps in wood, and into damaged areas. The epoxy should then be allowed to cure, per the manufacturer's directions, until it is ready to be sanded. After sanding, homeowners may prime and paint, or stain, the surface, and then finish the job by applying a 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 job for the experts. If you prefer the appearance of wooden windows, they will need regular maintenance and renovation.
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