Timber Window Repair
Timber windows are a feature that can completely transform a property, giving the property a look that helps it to stand out in the market. However, over time these timber windows and their looks can deteriorate.
In these situations it’s often a good idea to have your timber windows repaired, instead of having them replaced entirely. Not only will this be a cheaper experience to go through for the property owner, but the timber window repair process can also help your property retain its overall exterior aesthetics.
Timberwise has been operating within the property care industry for over fifty years, meaning that we carry out our work with a great deal of experience, knowledge, and expertise – and this is definitely true of our timber window repair process.
We provide timber window repairs for properties of all types; residential buildings, listed buildings, office and commercial buildings, or even retail spaces. Our team will work with you from start to finish to ensure that the repairs fit your needs exactly.
Why Do Timber Windows Become Damaged?
Over time timber windows will start to deteriorate, and there are many different reasons for this happening. However, one of the most common reasons that you might find your timber windows damaged is because of exposure to damp in your property.
Damp Problems Leading to Rot
If your windows, or property, is poorly maintained then there is a high chance that the windows could be affected by whats known as penetrating damp. Penetrating damp is an incredibly common form of damp, and once its taken hold within your property you may find that the water penetration can lead to problems like dry rot and wet rot.
For dry rot to occue, the moisture level of the timber must reach 20%, and for wet rot the moisture level must be above 50%. Both are destructive, and you can tell if rot has set in your timber if it feels spongey or soft. At this point you need to contact a specialist to have your windows repaired, and stop the rot from spreading even further.
Wood rot to a windowsill
Defective Lintels and Structural Movement
A lintel is a strong beam designed to take the weight of the walls above your properties cavities, like walls and windows. They became widespread in the UK around 1950, with properties built before then (and some after) having frames in their cavities which could support the weight of the walls above.
This means that there are plenty of older properties which have had their original windows and frames replaced with ones not designed to take the weight of the property above, and it may lead to a failed window as a result.
A common sign that your windows might be suffering from a failed lintel, or be in need of a lintel insertion would be cracks in the frame above the window, a common sign of stress being placed on a timber window frame not designed to support that weight.
In this instance the property may well need a lintel inserted above the window for additional support. This should be done by a structural engineer, and you can learn more about this process and talk to our team about lintel restoration or addition here.
A common sign that your windows might be suffering from a failed lintel, or be in need of a lintel insertion would be cracks in the frame above the window, a common sign of stress being placed on a timber window frame not designed to support that weight.
Timber Window Repairs and Preservation
One of the main reasons that timber windows begin to degrade is because of a lack of maintenance. You need to make sure that you do everything you can to keep your timber windows in top condition. This might mean treating them, cleaning them, or ensuring that they are up to bearing the next bout of harsh weather.
If you do notice signs that your timber windows need repair, it would be best to act quickly. Ignoring signs of damaged timber is just inviting trouble in the future, with damaged timber particularly vulnerable to damp penetration.
Fixing Wood Rotting Windows
If dampness in your property has led to the wood decaying in your timber windows, you are going to need a properly trained and accredited specialist to carry out the repair works.
The repair process will involve work like removing large sections of damaged timber that has been affected by rot or damp, before replacing it with fresh timber which will be seamlessly integrated into the original windows design.
The unaffected areas of timber (and the newly replaced timber) will then all be treated with a masonry biocide, along with fungicide pastes, so that your timber windows are protected against future instances of wood rot, or woodworm infestation.
Repairing Sash and Casement Windows
Sash and casement windows are particularly vulnerable when it comes to leaks, rattles, and draughts. Because of this, they may well need to be repaired more often than other windows.
The general process for repairing sash windows would be as follows:
- The windows will be removed from their frames.
- The decaying timber in the window frame will be removed.
- An epoxy resin will be used to fill in any gaps within the timber window frame, and where the original timber is beyond repair and has been removed, timber splicing techniques will be used to restore the frame.
- The glass will be reinserted back into its original holding within the timber window.
Obviously, where needed our technicans can deviate and adapt to your specific conditions, but in most instances this is the standard procedure for sash and casement window repair.
Once this process has been carried out and your sash windows have been repaired, draught proofing can begin, further protecting your property against the effects of weathering.
Draught Proofing Windows
If you find that moisture of any sort is entering your property through gaps found in and around your timber windows, you can expect condensation to follow.
You can learn more about how condensation is formed and condensation control here, but whats important to remember is that when moisture is warm, it turns into a gas. Once that heavy, moisture laden air comes back into contact with a cool surface (like a window), the moisture will revert back from gas to liquid form, and condense on the surface.
Obviously, you can see that if your window is allowing moisture through why it might be a real problem as far as consistent condensation is concerned. The real issue here though is that when condensation is allowed to consistently form around your properties windows, mould is highly likely to spread soon after.
Draught proofing your timber windows is a good way to stop that excess moisture from making its way into your property. This means sealing all of the gaps between the frame and the wall, most commonly done with a plastic cavity closer can be used to plug up the gap.
If you have carried out draught proofing, and are still noticing that condensation is building up then you can always arrange for a condensation survey, or carry out additional condensation control. The most reliable method of stopping condensation from forming is to improve ventilation. Extractor fans are a brilliant and easy way to increase the ventilation options within any indoor space, especially in rooms susceptible to high moisture levels consistently, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Contact Us for Timber Window Repairs
If your timber windows are in need of repair because of damp, rot, or just because of the ravages of time then we can help. We have specialists across England, Scotland, and Wales ready to help restore your timber windows back to their original, pristine condition.
Our surveyors will visit your property, and once they have discovered the issue and delivered a detailed report to you outlining all of the restorative work that will need to take place in order to restore your windows, our technicians can begin. You can contact our team by calling us on 0800 288 8660 or requesting a survey online.
