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.
Nature is a wooden window's most dangerous enemy. Sun and moisture both cause wear, but moisture is the principal assailant. Dry rot is caused by a fungus, which loves to grow in airtight, wet conditions, like the space between a failed coat of paint and a wooden sill. Damaged finish, peeling caulk, and excessive moisture may all be reasons for windows to 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.
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.
After primer has cured, homeowners should apply the epoxy. After mixing, the epoxy should be applied with a trowel, and pressed into damaged areas, or gaps in the wood. When the epoxy has cured, according to manufacturer instructions, it may be sanded, and then primed and painted, or stained. When the topcoat of paint or stain is complete, homeowners should cover the wood with four or five coats of waterproof sealer.
Learning how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows is an uncomplicated process. Homeowners who are willing to invest a little time and elbow grease will easily complete the repair. The cosmetic damage will be contained, and homeowners will save money on labor costs, by completing a few simple steps.
Nature is a wooden window's most dangerous enemy. Sun and moisture both cause wear, but moisture is the principal assailant. Dry rot is caused by a fungus, which loves to grow in airtight, wet conditions, like the space between a failed coat of paint and a wooden sill. Damaged finish, peeling caulk, and excessive moisture may all be reasons for windows to 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.
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.
After primer has cured, homeowners should apply the epoxy. After mixing, the epoxy should be applied with a trowel, and pressed into damaged areas, or gaps in the wood. When the epoxy has cured, according to manufacturer instructions, it may be sanded, and then primed and painted, or stained. When the topcoat of paint or stain is complete, homeowners should cover the wood with four or five coats of waterproof sealer.
Learning how to repair rot and decay on wooden windows is an uncomplicated process. Homeowners who are willing to invest a little time and elbow grease will easily complete the repair. The cosmetic damage will be contained, and homeowners will save money on labor costs, by completing a few simple steps.
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Keeping your sash windows in good condition is a task for the experts. If you prefer the ambiance of wooden windows, they will need regular maintenance and renovation.
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