Rot and Weather Checking Repair

You do not have to replace your wood windows because they have some rot or weather checking. It is not difficult to repair these problems with the right materials and a little knowledge. Minor rot or damage can be repaired with restoration epoxy products like Abatron, PC Woody and others. They are 2 part resin systems formulated to be compatible with wood restoration.

The first step is called a consolidant or primer depending on the brand. This is a 2 part liquid and is usually mixed 50/50 part A and B. The liquid is used to pretreat the rotted or damaged area by soaking into the wood grain to ensure a solid base for the epoxy putty that completes the repair.

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Energy Efficiency vs. Historic Integrity

Many customers have said to me, "I don't want to lose the character of my old windows but what can I do make them energy efficient?" Less that 10% of the windows I have worked on had any type of weather stripping. A properly weather stripped old window will provide much improved energy efficiency and functional operation.
The most common type in use by restorers is spring bronze. Why spring bronze? It lasts a long time, looks good and provides an excellent sliding surface for the sash. It is typically applied to the window jamb. It comes in 2 basic styles, roll and V style. There are similar styles in plastic but will not last nearly as long as the bronze. Link

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Another type is silicon tube seals that are generally used on the bottom or top of the sash where it meets the sill or header of the window frame. These are available in kerf mounted and stick on versions.

Welcome To Olde Window Restorers Blog

This blog has been created to share experience, thoughts, views and comments about wood window restoration. Welcome..