Are you facing a rotten window frame in your home? You may be wondering if it’s even possible to repair the damage. Worry not – we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn the basics of how to repair a rotting window frame.
Repairing a Rotten Window Frame
Rotten window frames can create a hazard as they can become weak and allow moisture in behind them, which then penetrates the wall. Damage repair is possible, but it involves time, skill, and special products. Before attempting the repair yourself, here are some key points to consider:
Inspection: Before performing any repairs, you should inspect the frame carefully to identify all damaged sections and the extent of the rot. If more than 20-30% of the area is affected by rot, then replacing may be your only option.
Removing Rot: To clean rotten areas, you need to remove all decayed parts of the existing frame with a chisel or drill. If you’re removing painted surfaces from your window, be sure to wear a mask so you don’t inhale paint fumes during removal.
Treating Wood: Once you have removed all rotted material and cleaned up any remaining dust particles left behind by drilling or chiseling damage away, treat the wood with a fungicide or preservative such as borax or sodium borate solution before applying an appropriate wood filler.
Filling Gaps: The use of epoxy putties and resins when filling gaps present in wooden window frames has been proven over time to provide longer-lasting results than traditional wood fillers such as sawdust mixed with PVA glue. (However, this method is necessarily very messy.)
Finishing Touch: Finally, lightly sand down any putty ridges before applying a primer/undercoat followed by several final coats of paint that match your original color scheme/timber treatment finish as closely as possible for best results.
Signs of Window Rotting
Windows can deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements. In many cases, a rotting frame can be repaired to extend its life. However, before you consider repairs, it’s important to be aware of some of the signs that indicate your frame is rotting:
- Cracks or breaks: If you notice cracks in the frame or any broken wood pieces, this could be a sign that rot has already begun to set in.
- Soft spots: If you press gently onto the wood surface of the window and notice soft spots, this indicates moisture which often leads to further deterioration and rot.
- Staining or discoloration on window sash: Staining or discoloration on the exterior surface of your window could be caused by water damage such as rainwater that has seeped inside due to deteriorating seals along the sash and glass panes.
- Mildew or mold: If you detect mildew or mold growing around your windowsills, this could also be an indication of rotting frames as mildew and mold are often caused by moisture seeping into the wood from condensation buildup inside windowsills as a result of poor insulation.
If you think for example about ECO insulation, it refers to environmentally friendly insulation materials that are designed to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. It is typically made from recycled or renewable materials and helps improve the energy efficiency of buildings. ECO insulation can be used in walls, roofs, floors, and attics to enhance thermal performance, reduce heat loss or gain, and provide better overall insulation.
For that reason it would be nice to read Warma UK’s guide to meet the criteria for insulation grants under the ECO scheme. Learn how to qualify and save on energy-efficient home improvements.
Bottom line
If you have a rotting window frame, there are a few things you can do to try and repair it. You may be able to replace the entire frame or just the rotten part. If only the rotten part is broken, you may be able to fix it by replacing just that section with a new one. If the whole frame is rotten, you will need to replace it entirely.
