DIY Guide To Repairing Rotten Timber Window Frames

Rotten timber is not a sight that any homeowner wants to see. Unfortunately, due to their exposure to the elements, timber window frames tend to be particularly susceptible to the effects of rot. Luckily, unless the damage is extensive, it is not too difficult to repair rotten timber yourself.

To repair rotten timber, you will need the following items: a narrow chisel, a drill, rough sandpaper, fine sandpaper, timber preservative, and epoxy wood filler.

Step 1: Remove The Rot

First and foremost, you need to remove the rot from the affected area. Keep in mind that paint can conceal rotten segments, so be sure to scrape away (using the chisel) any paint surrounding the rot. Once you've identified where all the rot is occurring, use the chisel to remove it. Rotten wood is quite soft, so it should come away in chunks without too much effort.

Step 2: Roughly Sand The Surface

Once you've scraped away the majority of the rot using the chisel, use the coarse sandpaper to finish off the rest. You want the surface to come away as rough as possible, as a rough surface provides a better foundation for the epoxy to stick to.

Step 3: Drill Holes

Drill a number of holes (using a ¼ inch drill bit) into the wood surface, spaced at about an inch from one another. These holes will allow the wood to soak up much more timber preservative, as well as allowing the epoxy filler to gain a stronger hold on the wood. After drilling, make sure to clean away the dust and wood fragments from the area.

Step 4: Soak In Timber Preservative

Apply the timber preservative to the exposed surface. Keep re-applying until the timber is saturated, at which point it won't absorb any more liquid. Use a nozzle on the bottle to fill the holes up.

Step 5: Apply The Epoxy Wood Filler

Use the epoxy filler to rebuild the damaged area. For any deep holes, use a screw to anchor the epoxy. Once you've built up epoxy to approximately the original dimensions of the window frame, use a putty knife to smooth the filler out.

TIP: Dip the knife in epoxy beforehand. This will prevent epoxy from the window frame sticking to the knife.

Allow the epoxy to dry for 24 hours.

Step 6: Prep And Paint

Using the fine sandpaper, smooth out the surface of the now-hardened epoxy; be sure to wipe away all dust and residue.

Once the surface is nice and smooth, you can paint the newly repaired frame. Match the paint to the original colour of the window frame, and your timber will look good as new! For more information, contact a company like Stop the Rot.