Has your old wooden window become unusable: the wood has dried out, the paint has peeled off? Don't rush to change it to a new one. Repairs, as well as painting and repainting wooden windows will be much more economical if you do them yourself.
Determining the degree of window destruction
Open the window and inspect the wood where the paint has peeled off. If its density already resembles foam plastic or is even softer, it’s not worth the candle, and it’s better to replace the window. If there are cracks or fungus, but the frame is quite solid , then after restoration the wooden window will last for a long time. Check the geometry of the window and sashes. Aren't they squinting too much?
If the sashes are skewed and when opening they touch the window sill , for repairs you will need wooden wedges and steel corners. Close the window sash tightly. Adjust its position with wedges. Install metal corners in the loose corners of the frame. Secure them with screws. The sashes should now sit firmly in the frame.
The glass itself also requires careful inspection. Old and cracked out! Prepare money for something new. We clean and lubricate the fittings, and replace any rusty ones.
Dismantling the old coating
The glass is pulled out and cleaned of old putty.
To restore old windows yourself, you need to carefully remove the frame from the window frame. Then remove the flaps. Just don’t pull them out with the meat, but gently tap them on the loops with a chisel. The glass also needs to be removed. And remove the old putty from them with a chisel or an aggressive solvent if you plan to put them back in.
Preparing and painting the window frame
This is a rather tedious and dusty process. But such repairs of old wooden windows will bear fruit. After it, the window will be little different from the new one.
Removing old paint
Remove old paint from wooden frames can be done in two ways: using a hair dryer or liquid remover.
Method No. 1
A hair dryer softens the old paint and makes it easy to remove with a spatula.
Take construction hair dryer in one hand, in the other - a spatula. Blow hot air over the paint. As soon as it starts to bubble and peel off, start scraping it off with a spatula. To avoid overheating and damage to the tool, work intermittently. The advantage of this method is that the paint is removed in one go.
Method No. 2
You will need aggressive wash . It is quite dangerous and not only for old paint. Therefore, wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when working with it. Apply the wash with a brush without skipping. It's better to use too much; an even layer is not required. Your task is to ensure that the solution gets generously onto all painted areas.
Paint thinner is very dangerous, so wear gloves
After a few minutes, you will see that the paint begins to swell and soften to a cheesy state. Now is the time to remove it before it hardens. Repeat this process as necessary until the frame is completely clean. The undoubted advantage is that buying a liquid remover is much cheaper than a hair dryer.
Degrease the surface
It's simple but very important stage window repair. Grease on the wood will prevent paint and primer from sticking. And all this will be reflected in the quality of painting. Therefore, we clean the surface with a solvent, such as White Spirit. As a last resort, gasoline, but not acetone or alcohol - they are mixed with water.
Level the frame with putty
Rotten areas in the frame must be removed with a plane. And cover the resulting potholes and cracks with acrylic wood putty and a rubber spatula.
Putty for smoothing out holes in the frame/window sill is made from fine sawdust and PVA glue. Just mix them until the consistency of thick sour cream. It will turn out no worse than store-bought.
Attention! If the pieces of rotten wood are quite large and putty alone is not enough, you will need patches made of dry material. Cut wood wedges to size and place them on glue.
Sanding the surface
Before painting window frames, they must be sanded. To do this you need to go through them sandpaper.
The frame is rubbed with sandpaper so that the paint adheres better later.
Very convenient for sanding wooden block, wrapped in sandpaper. The surface should become uniformly rough. This way the paint will adhere better to it. Remember that sanding produces a lot of fine dust. Pros wear a respirator and safety glasses.
Prime the frame
By removing the old paint, you will open up the pores of the wood. They need to be covered with a primer. It will penetrate deep into the wood, creating a film on it that will prevent the wood from rotting. In addition, a primer is needed for better adhesion of the paint to the surface.
For priming you will needoil (linseed oil) or acrylic primer for wood . You don't have to buy an expensive one at all. A cheap primer will also work, but it will need to be applied in several layers. You can prime with a small brush or a spray bottle. Wait until the primer is completely dry before painting.
We paint
For painting windows yourself It is better to use acrylic, oil or alkyd enamel paint . Alkyd is more expensive, but dries faster and has almost no odor. Acrylic comes in second place. The brush should be flat. It is also called flutz.
The window frame is painted in 2-3 layers
IN construction stores You can find special paint for frames and window sills. The consistency is similar to jelly and does not leave streaks. It also has self-leveling properties. This means there will be no brush marks on this paint. Start painting from the top of the frame. Apply paint in a thin layer to avoid smudges. At the same time, do not allow omissions. Effective coloring requires 2-3 layers. When applying each subsequent layer, wait until the previous one dries.
Paint smudges can be avoided using a foam swab instead of a brush. It's a tampon, not a roller. The foam rubber for it should not be too old, but not new either. A bath sponge that has already been used is just the thing! Such a swab will absorb excess paint, do not let it flow off in sloppy drops.
Inserting glass
To prevent the glass from falling out, it is secured with this glazing bead
We apply construction silicone to the edges of the glass. After this we insert the glass into the frame. Use a spatula to remove excess silicone. To ensure that the glass stands securely in the frame and does not rattle, we will need wooden window beads. These are such triangular thin strips.
We apply beading to the junction of the frame and glass. We secure it with small nails, driving them vertically into the frame. Optimal distance there is 25-30 cm between them. All that remains is to screw on the fittings.
Read about legal approval of new glazing on the balcony (what if it comes to this?), fines and other nuances.
Returning the frame to the window frame
We install the frame into the window frame. If there are gaps, you can seal them with a special rubber self-adhesive seal. Cut the strip of sealant to the required size, peel off protective film and place tightly around the perimeter of the frame.
Restoring and repairing old wooden windows with your own hands is an activity for the patient. But it allows, firstly, to save money, and secondly, to get great-looking windows that retain heat well. After all, along with painting, you can lay insulation, which guarantees the absence of drafts. The windows will be produced using the so-called “Swedish technology”.
Inspection and determination of the scope of work
You meticulously inspect the window sashes and frame, open and close them several times, see if there are any cracks and how big they are. Assess the condition of the wood: are there any rotten areas, if so, what are their sizes.
The first stage is dismantling and assessing the condition of the windows
The first step is to establish whether the affected areas can be restored or whether the rotten fragment requires complete replacement. If replacement is inevitable, there are only two options: if you know how to work with wood, you cut out the required part yourself; if you don’t, you order it from a carpenter. All other window defects can be eliminated by anyone with “straight” hands.
Tools and materials
Since we are repairing old windows, we will need to remove the old paint: restoration without this is almost impossible. For this you will need:
- a hair dryer or a thick plastic bag, rags and 0.5 liters of pure kerosene;
- spatulas, wide knife (shoe knife).
In the future, you will need to repair damage, align the frame and sashes, etc. The range of tools here is more extensive, but even if you buy them, it won’t cost you very much, and you can make them even smaller if you rent them.
Collecting the necessary tools
- hacksaw, jigsaw, hacksaw blades;
- plane, chisels, selector (if you have one - great);
- drill and drill bits of different diameters;
- dense wood for wedges and dowels;
- drying oil for impregnation or ready-made primers;
- wood putties;
- rubber sealing cord;
- new fittings: hinges, latches;
- a large, preferably carpenter's square, building level, slope;
- glazing beads and silicone sealant.
For impregnation, you may need either factory-made compounds and a brush, a metal vessel, drying oil, an electric stove, or heat gun.
Need some special tools and a large flat surface
AND the last stage The restoration will be stained. This stage is very important - it depends on the quality of the work appearance and service life until the next repair.
- set of brushes;
- window paint or stain and varnish if you like natural look save wood.
The procedure for restoring wooden windows
It all starts with dismantling. The sashes are removed first, then the frame itself. Is it possible not to take it off? window frame? It is possible only in one case, if it is in perfect condition: there is no damage to the wood, all angles are exactly 90 o and no defects. But the work will be more difficult. In all other cases, dismantling is complete.
The glass is carefully removed from the sashes and cleaned old putty, all the cloves are given. The fittings are removed from all parts: they must be replaced. Now the external flashings are carefully removed: the nails with which they were fastened are probably almost falling apart.
The first step is to remove the glass. Removing paint
You can use a construction hair dryer, setting the temperature to 200-250 o C. It’s better not to use it any more: wood loses heat during high-temperature treatment. most their properties. For the same reason, it is undesirable to use a blowtorch: even without charring, you will disturb the structure of the wood and it will collapse faster.
Remove paint from the window by heating the surface on small area. Bubbles quickly appear on the surface, and you need to pry them off with a wide knife, scraper or spatula. It is better to find an old spatula with a rounded blade: a new one often “cuts” into the wood, and then you will have to grind for a long time. In general, it is more convenient to work with a wide knife, which is used by shoemakers.
Restoration wooden door starts with removing old paint or varnish
The second method is chemical softening. Eat modern compositions to soften the paint, but how they affect the structure of the wood is a question. You can use the old, proven method: treat with kerosene. You will need a large bag made of thick plastic film (necessarily whole, without a single hole), old cotton rags (they should not fade) and kerosene. It is undesirable to use other solvents - they again affect the structure of wood fibers.
Wrap the frame with strips of fabric and put it in a bag (its height should be enough to tie the neck). Pour out the kerosene and tie the bag tightly. After a day you can remove the paint. But do not take everything out at once - while they are processing one part, the paint on the others will harden. They took out one part, tied the bag, and removed the paint. Let's move on to the next one.
It is better to work with any chemically active drugs while wearing gloves.
When removing paint in small depressions and cracks, you don’t have to remove the paint: there will be less need for puttying and leveling. But this is only if you paint the window. If you plan to varnish, you will have to do everything scrupulously. But for the first experience, it is better to process it under paint: easier and faster.
Aligning the frame
For leveling, you will need a fairly large, absolutely flat surface. This could be a table (but the surface must be flat), a workbench, a sheet of plywood laid on stools, etc.
First we align the frame. We lay and set the corners. They should be exactly 90 o. We inspect the contour: the slats should be even. At this stage, we remove the areas affected by rot or replace the completely rotten parts of the frame with freshly made ones. (How to treat a rotten area is written a little below).
Leveling and sorting out the frame
We check the planks in vertical and horizontal planes, remove the excess with a plane. We work in the corners with chisels. The result should be perfectly straight, even surfaces. We check the corners again, measure and align the diagonals, and fasten the frame at the corners with nails. Then we take sandpaper or a sanding machine (belt) and process it until smooth.
We restore the sashes
We disassemble the connections of the valves. They are assembled on dowels - small round wooden pins. Windows that have served for decades must be replaced. It’s easier not to knock them out (you can do this too), but to drill them out with a drill of a smaller diameter. Then remove the residue and clean the hole for installing a new fastener.
If necessary, the doors can be completely disassembled into planks. Clean the joints, align the planks, cutting off all excess with a planer, working on the corners where necessary. In general, put everything in order.
This is an old dowel. It is advisable to remove it and put a new one in its place.
The next stage is assembling the sashes. Fold the processed planks, measure the diagonals and angles. Now a tricky operation: you need to remove the strips, coat the grooves and joints with glue and install them back. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the sash does not warp. Having set the bar in place until the glue sets, set the corners and diagonals.
After assembly, we will install new dowels for greater reliability. Let's do them first. Take a core drill internal diameter 5-7 mm. From a block dense wood We drill the cylinders across the fibers (precisely across them). These will be the dowels. The diameter of the stud should be slightly larger than the drilled hole on the frame (about 0.5 mm). This way it will “sit” tightly and hold the structure well.
Do not use planed chops instead of dowels: the window will have to be repaired again in a couple of years. Cut across the grain, they will keep their shape for at least 10 years.
Wedges are cut from a piece of oak or rowan. Their width is 5-7 mm: depending on the diameter of the prepared dowels, and their thickness is 1.5-2 mm. They are then driven along the fibers, wedging the pin and achieving excellent fixation.
If, as a result of reassembling the valves, the hole has become uneven, straighten it with a file, or perhaps with a drill. But try not to make it wider. Smear seat wood glue (it should be good quality), drive in the dowels. The glue fits well. Then use a screwdriver to make a groove along the fibers into which to insert the planed wedge and hammer it in. Cut off the excess sharp knife so that everything is smooth.
Wooden dowels reliably fasten the sash parts
So we change all connections, constantly monitoring the geometry of the valves. Once everything is assembled, the sashes should be fairly rigid, but do not wobble them too much: the glue is not yet dry.
After all operations, the sashes may be of different heights. We align them so that they are the same both inside and outside. Now we take the frame and place the sashes in it. They are definitely smaller than needed. To ensure they fit tightly, we glue strips of plywood of suitable thickness and width onto the frame using liquid nails.
All parts (and frame) are laid on flat surface, a load is placed on them. You can lay it on a flat floor, with several boards on top, and underneath them a solid load: about 100 kg. Leave to dry and level for two to three days.
After the glue has dried, we bring the frames to standard where necessary, sanding and making notches. We mark places for fastening the fittings and make recesses for them.
Installation of seal
How to install a seal in windows using Swedish technology and the shapes of these seals is described in detail in the video.
Impregnation
There are different ready-made impregnations. How to use them is described in the instructions. There is nothing complicated in the process: under certain conditions you need to apply the composition and wait until it dries. There can be several treatments, with one or different compositions.
But there are masters who are sure that the polymers included in the impregnations worsen thermal insulation properties wood They work only and exclusively with drying oil. Moreover, there are two processing methods: cold and hot.
With the cold method, heated drying oil is applied with a brush to the frame and window sashes. Leave until completely absorbed and dry, when the surface becomes non-sticky to the touch. The treatment is repeated four times. This treatment guarantees the excellent condition of the wood and paint coating for 5 years. Afterwards you will have to repaint it.
Impregnation with drying oil is a great way to preserve wood
During hot processing, drying oil is heated in a vessel until high temperatures. This activity is a fire hazard - the drying oil can catch fire. Therefore, we first prepare a piece of tarpaulin, felt, etc., with which we can cover the vessel. It is better to heat using a heat gun or hot air from an electric stove (not on the stove, but above her): Sometimes it is necessary to quickly remove the heat source to avoid fire. That's why the fire is not suitable.
Dip the parts into drying oil heated to a boil for several minutes.
After some time, the drying oil begins to bubble: air and moisture come out. There is one important point: when bubbles are already starting to appear, it happens that the smell of drying oil intensifies sharply. You need to quickly remove the heat source. If you hesitate, the fumes will flare up, and a felt mat will come in handy. If you make it on time, it will pass without incident. After a few minutes, heating can be continued. When there are no more bubbles, you can saturate the parts.
The part is immersed in heated drying oil for 3-5 minutes. It’s convenient to work with a hook: you can hold it and pull it out conveniently. After taking it out, carefully place it in a clean place to dry. Do not handle parts with your hands. Even with mittens: hot drying oil will instantly saturate them and burn your hands. The burn will be serious: the temperature is about 130 o C.
Craftsmen say that after such treatment, the wood can stand even on the street for decades. If the paint is good, it will need updating no earlier than after 10-15 years. Like this.
We putty and sand it
Now the frames are rigid and are not afraid of anything. Now we putty and sand them. For significant damage, we use coarse putty with sawdust. For finishing, thinner and softer. If you are going to paint the window White color, take white putty. They will not be visible through the paint.
The technique is simple: fill the cracks and crevices with putty, then remove the excess. Metal spatulas of small width are often used. But in some places it is more convenient to work with rubber ones: they are designed for grouting joints when laying tiles, but they are also convenient to work with putty.
Using technology will increase the speed of work
After the composition has dried, take a sandpaper (sanding machine) with medium grain and clean off the excess, if any. At the same time, go through the entire frame, bringing everything back to normal, leveling out the unevenness. Then, using fine-grain sandpaper, everything is leveled to an ideal (as far as possible) condition.
Coloring
You choose the type of paint yourself, based on your preferences. The only thing I can advise you to do is to take glossy or semi-gloss. They retain their color for a long time. This is especially true for white paints. Surfaces painted with matte white paint quickly turn gray: they have a porous structure, which gives them a “matte” appearance. These pores become clogged with microscopic dust particles, which give a grayish tint. Therefore, for perfectly white windows, take gloss or semi-gloss.
The first layer is a primer. This is one part paint diluted with two parts of a suitable solvent. After the primer has dried, you can apply the base paint. There will be several layers, so everything will be painted over.
Apply paint thin layers in different directions
Do not use a lot of paint on your brush: there will be drips that are not easy to deal with. Dip, squeeze, rub well. You need to move from top to bottom without changing direction. This is the only way the layer will be even. Apply the first layer by moving the brush from left to right, the second - from top to bottom, and the third layer - from right to left.
Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried. If after the first application of paint there are streaks and uneven spots, after the paint has dried, take sandpaper and smooth them out. Just don't wear it down to wood. Do the second layer more carefully, but even here you can still sand it a little. The third one should be without flaws. After the paint has dried, your self-restored window can be installed in place.
Glazing
Installing glass is not the most difficult task, but it is responsible. Prepare a transparent moisture-resistant and frost-resistant sealant. Coat the seat with it and insert the glass. On the other hand, they are pressed with glazing beads. They are also sanded, impregnated and painted. Then they coat the perimeter of the glass with sealant, press the glazing beads and secure them with small nails.
Replacing rotten sections of a wooden frame
If the area has rotted out, you can help the grief in two ways:
- cover with special reinforced putty, recreating the required shape;
- remove the damaged area by inserting a patch in its place.
A reliable way to eliminate rot is to cut out the damaged area.
The second option would be more correct from the point of view of durability: here it is possible to remove the entire infected area, ensuring that the rot will not spread further. The technique is simple. Cut out the affected area, taking some healthy wood. Cut out a fragment of exactly the same shape. Coat the joints with wood glue, insert the patch, level it, if necessary, fix it, and leave until the glue dries completely.
Afterwards you need to putty the seam, sand it and paint it. All. The window frame (or sash) has been restored.
But it is not always possible (or desire) to cut out a damaged piece of wood. Then you can use epoxy putty with reinforcing fiber. Once dry, it is hard enough to hold its shape.
First of all, we separate everything that can be removed. All the rot and rot. We blow away the dust, where possible, and get to a healthy tree. If you plan to use the restored frame for a long time, treatment with antiseptic impregnations is necessary: to prevent, as far as possible, the spread of rot.
A rotten section of a window frame can be restored using putty with reinforcing fiber
Afterwards, the composition is applied to the damaged part with a spatula. This type of putty has a fairly thick consistency; any configuration can be sculpted. Give it a shape close to the desired one, but a little larger in size: after drying, you can sand it and level it out. It takes quite a day to dry, but exact time depends on the composition, temperature and humidity of the air. After sanding and leveling, all that remains is to paint the window. Then nothing will be noticeable at all.
Results
You don’t need any super abilities to repair and restore wooden windows yourself. Not the most necessary complex instruments, accuracy, patience and a fairly decent amount of time.
Old wooden windows have been replaced by new ones plastic double glazed windows. However, many owners are in no hurry to install them. Plastic is artificial material, which has many disadvantages. Therefore, many seek to repair worn-out frames in order to extend the life of their windows. A certain technology is used for this.
Can be done independently. To do this you will need to be able to handle ordinary tool, which is in the arsenal home handyman. You should also consider recommendations from professionals. They will help you complete all the steps correctly. The result of the work will be high in this case.
Need for repairs
Necessary because joints become leaky over time. They do not prevent the movement of warm air from the room. Large heat losses are observed in winter. They are also unable to muffle external noise. To correct this situation, you need to install new windows or repair old ones.
The restoration has a lot of positive qualities. Firstly, it will be much cheaper than buying a new double-glazed window. Secondly, the frame made of natural material is environmentally friendly. Wood contributes to the normal regulation of humidity in the room. This allows you to create an optimal microclimate.
Restoration will not take much time. It can be completed in literally 3 hours. The distance between glasses in wooden frames is 3 times greater. This helps reduce heat loss. The appearance of condensation, the formation of fungus and the emergence of health problems for home owners are excluded.
Reviews about the technology
Today they apply different ways, allowing you to return the window to its previous qualities. One of the simplest and most inexpensive is restoration of wooden windows using Swedish technology. Reviews professional builders talk about some of its disadvantages. This method involves inserting a Euro-strip sealing cord. Therefore, such a technique should relate to the insulation complex of actions.
If the owners of the house turn to a special organization that carries out such work, they should be prepared that in this case the frame will not be adjusted or repainted. This is an additional service that has nothing in common with Swedish technology.
The cost of work using the presented technology is about 3 thousand rubles. behind the middle window. Professionals recommend a comprehensive approach to restoration. Even a rotten frame can be restored to good condition. The operation of such a window is extended for several more decades.
Tools
Considering how much are wooden windows , presented for sale today (from 25 to 80 thousand rubles), it will become clear that restoration is one of the best solutions.
To do this you will need to prepare a special tool. Although the presented technology is more complex, the result in this case will be much better.
You need to make sure you have tools such as a chisel, chisels (from 4 to 30 mm), a plane for cleaning and removing folds, grooves, etc. You will also need a piece of jigsaw blade (about 4-6 mm wide and 0.3 mm in thickness), a special wide knife (for example, like that of shoemakers or artists).
You will need a drill and a wood bit with a diameter of 8 mm. You also need a carpenter's square, a level, and a plumb line. You will also need to take care of the availability of certain materials.
Materials
Restoration and installation of wooden windows impossible to complete without the right materials. You should purchase “liquid nails” glue for wood, natural drying oil. You will also need a special putty. It is used exclusively for wooden base. You will need about 0.5 kg of putty.
It is necessary to purchase thickly ground white. This is a mixture of dry pigment and filler, which is diluted to the required consistency manually. Apply various solutions you will need to use a brush. Flute varieties with sizes of 40 and 80 mm are suitable.
You should prepare 2 liters of kerosene. You also need small nails and #60 sandpaper. A thick construction bag should have dimensions of 1.7 by 0.5 m. You should also have tape on hand. The work is carried out with a sheet of plywood or boards. Their size should be larger than the frame. You also need pieces of waterproof plywood 1.5 mm thick. Silicone aquarium glue 10-15 ml should also be purchased before restoration of wooden windows.
Disassembly
It starts with disassembling them. The sides of the structure are fastened with special choppers or dowels. They should be inspected for defects. The sashes are removed from their hinges. It is necessary to remove glazing beads or putty. The glass is removed from the grooves.
All fittings, fastenings, and corners are removed from the frames. All that remains is wood. The frame needs to be leveled. Each sash is placed on a shield and the diagonals are measured. They should be equal. The window requires special attention.
After alignment, the window parts are fastened with nails. Old dowels are checked. They should be in the middle of the corner. They should be drilled out. If the dowel has been displaced, you need to add a few drops of superglue to it. This way it won't fall out when drilling. After 10 minutes, when the glue has dried, you can drill. After this, you can disassemble the frame and clean off any remaining paint.
Paint removal and impregnation
There are two main ways how to remove old paint from wooden windows. The first method involves using a hair dryer. The temperature at which wood must be processed must be in the range from 200 to 250ºC. Otherwise, the wood will lose its quality.
The chemical method is also quite effective. Each individual part of the frame is wrapped in rags. They are lowered into a plastic construction bag. All parts are poured with kerosene (other substances are not suitable for this). The bag is tied tightly. The wood remains here for a day. After this period, the pieces of wood are taken out one at a time and processed mechanically.
The prepared wood must be impregnated with drying oil. It is applied with a brush. There will be about 4 layers in total. This will prevent the development of fungus and rot in the future. Each subsequent layer must be applied after the previous layer has dried.
Recovery
continues with the assembly of the prepared structure. To do this, new dowels are inserted into the grooves. The frame is assembled on a shield. It is leveled by measuring the diagonals. Next, side nails are driven into it and holes for fastening are drilled again.
Then the structure is disassembled again. Grooves and joints are coated liquid nails. The structure is then quickly assembled and leveled. The diagonals are checked and each element is corrected as necessary. The glue dries quickly.
A day later, the dowels are coated with glue and driven into the grooves. After this, not only the outer edges are checked, but also the inner parts of the frame. A square is used for this. If the wood has dried unevenly, you should remove the excess using a chisel and a chisel. To install the frame in the opening, plywood is laid under it using glue.
Finishing
It starts with putty. Before this, you need to install ebb tides. Next comes painting. Oil formulations are best suited. Thickly rubbed paint is best suited for this purpose. You can mix it yourself. This durable coating, which will qualitatively protect the base from destruction.
You can leave the natural look of wood. For this, stains are used. They are coated on top with transparent varnish.
Having considered how it is carried out restoration of wooden windows, each owner will be able to restore the qualities of such structures without large financial costs. Such products will last several decades for the benefit of their owners.
Modern people try to make their housing as environmentally friendly as possible, which is why you can often see time-tested wooden windows rather than modern plastic. This is no accident, since such natural material, as wood is very highly valued. Another main advantage of wooden windows is the ability to repair them. Of course, repair and especially restoration of wooden windows is not an easy task. However, if you take a little modern materials, add skill, patience and a little effort to them, you will get a completely new window.
When is repair work needed?
Window repair and restoration are similar. During both procedures, you will have to clear, putty, paint, seal and insulate. The approach to repair and restoration work on windows depends largely on the degree of wear of frames, fittings, and glass. Most often, window repairs are needed due to worn-out fittings. However, such repairs are quite easy to make. You just need to replace already worn parts with new ones.
Restoration of wooden windows with double-glazed windows has to be carried out if problems arise with the wood itself. This material, unfortunately, is easily influenced by various external influences. To avoid problems, it is best to impregnate the wood with special antiseptic agents, which, in particular, protect it from insects. How often windows will need repairs will be determined by the type of wood that was used for them. For example, larch frames can last 35 years, and oak frames can last more than half a century.
Most often, repairs are necessary due to the sloppy appearance of wooden windows. Moreover, this often happens as a result of applying a large number of layers of paint. Repair is also necessary if the thermal insulation qualities of the window are damaged due to loose fitting of the frame and transoms. If there are rotten areas on the window frame or transom, then such a window definitely needs repair. Often among the faults there are distortions of window frames, difficulty closing the window, and small cracks. Repairs may also be necessary due to such problem areas, like the bottom corners. After all, they often accumulate a large number of moisture.
Of course, there are damages that can no longer be repaired. For example, the wood has become so loose that if you press on it, it will leave dents. It is also better to replace the windows with new ones if the frames are very wobbly window openings. Large dark spots under the paint indicate that the wood has turned to dust and is decomposing. Frames should not be repaired even if they are severely deformed or damaged. For example, cracked frames are best replaced with new ones. It is worth noting that it is best to repair wooden windows on a warm, sunny and dry day.
If observed high humidity, then it is better to postpone the repair so that the wood does not change its geometry and dries better.
Dismantling and damage assessment
Cosmetic, like major renovation wooden windows begin with an inspection of the structure to determine its condition. After this it is accepted final decision, is it necessary easy repair or complete restoration window. To do this, carefully inspect the frame, transom and window sill. Next, you need to determine how the glass will be attached. Often they are held in place by putty or glazing beads. To remove the putty, just clean it off with a knife or chisel, and carefully remove the glazing beads (glass slats) without damaging the glass.
After this, the glass is removed and the fittings are dismantled. The wooden ebbs are carefully removed, all fasteners are removed, as well as metal squares, nails, screws, and so on. Then the frame should be placed without anything on a flat surface and its diagonals should be measured. They should all be the same length. Otherwise, the distortion may cause the formation of cracks, and this is unacceptable. The frame must be attached to some surface, for example, to a board made of boards.
Further, it is necessary to check the condition of the window dowels. Often the corners of the frame are connected with wooden dowels. Before painting and sanding, it is better to replace them with new ones. The dowel can be removed by knocking it out with a hammer. Moreover, this should be done from the thin side, since the dowel has a cone-shaped shape. Of course, this is only possible with an even, that is, symmetrical angle of their location.
If the frame is deformed, then it is better to drill out the dowel. A loose dowel can be fixed with superglue in a matter of minutes before drilling. Now that the window is completely disassembled, you can begin work on cleaning the wooden parts from the paint.
It is worth remembering that the window can be repaired correctly only after all the wood parts have been thoroughly dried.
Removing paint
Any old wood window frame will need paint stripped. However this work requires caution. This is best done with gloves and safety glasses. Cleaning the frame from paint can be done in two ways.
Construction hairdryer
This method considered the most effective for removing paint from wood. However, it requires utmost attention. You should work with a hairdryer very carefully. It is necessary to remove the glass in advance so that it does not crack from the hot air. It is best to set the hair dryer temperature to +250 degrees.
If the temperature is higher, the wood may lose its characteristics due to the charring process. During the heating process, the paint bubbles. Due to this, it is easy to remove using a special knife or palette knife (a trowel knife used to mix paints on a palette). A putty knife is not suitable for removing paint as it will either slip across the paint or leave burrs due to cutting into the wood.
It should be borne in mind that this process is slow, but it produces a high-quality result.
Chemical means
Special solutions can remove paint from an old wooden frame. And you can do this using the “old-fashioned method” in the form of kerosene and a plastic bag. Moreover, kerosene is suitable, since, unlike other solvents and solvents, it does not destroy the structure of the wood. This method consists of wrapping the frame with fabric and placing it in a plastic bag or sack. After this, the fabric is very well moistened with kerosene, the bag is tied and left for a day, or better yet, two. As a result, the paint softens and can be easily removed even with a shoe knife.
It is better to remove the strips from the plastic gradually so that the kerosene does not evaporate and the paint does not dry out again and stops separating. Most often, the frame is not placed in a bag or bag as a whole, but is disassembled into parts. Another option is to wrap it in plastic wrap and tie it with rope in layers for better sealing. The main disadvantage of this method is the pungent odor and high fire hazard. Therefore, it is best to clean the frame in the open air in this way.
After this cleaning method, the frame is not yet completely ready for finishing work. The remaining paint must be removed using sandpaper or a sander. After the frames are cleared of coating, paint must be removed from the internal slopes of the window and window sill.
As soon as the paint is removed, all the defects that were hidden immediately become visible.
Renewal of rotten areas
If the wooden frames are in good condition and you don’t want to change them completely, but there are rotten areas, then they can be restored. This is absolutely easy to do.
Epoxy putty
Epoxy putty allows you to remove small rotten areas of the frame in the most short term. It is very good if it contains fiberglass, which can increase the rigidity of the frame. Restoration begins with the damaged area of the frame being thoroughly cleaned of paint. Then all the dust is removed. After this, the putty is mixed and applied to the prepared area. It is necessary to apply it so that it fills all the cracks and crevices.
In this case, the damaged area must be recreated so that it is more voluminous than the entire plane of the frame. This is necessary so that further grinding can be done. The putty hardens at room temperature for at least 24 hours. When the putty area has dried, it must be sanded using sandpaper (it is better to attach it to a block) or a sanding machine. After sanding, the entire surface of the frame should be smooth. After such a restoration, the appearance of the window becomes like new, but there is no guarantee of sufficient density in places that are actively used.
This method is best suited for blind windows or those that are rarely used.
Replacing a frame part
Replacing part of the frame also allows you to remove rotten areas. This method begins with inspecting the frame for damage and marking them. After all of them are found, you need to remove them with a mallet or chisels. A replacement is being prepared to replace them, and the new frame part must completely match the size and shape of the removed part.
When the required part of the frame is ready, it is installed in place and fixed with glue and clamps. The frame will dry completely after 24 hours, then the clamps can be removed. After this, the junction of the new part with the frame is carefully sanded. This is necessary to avoid any differences in height.
Antiseptic
Another important point is treating problem areas with an antiseptic composition. After applying it, the frame should be dried. To increase the service life of old wooden windows, it is best to cover them with drying oil. This will prevent the appearance of new rot and partially restore the structure of the wood. Drying oil is applied in 3-4 layers using a brush, and each new layer is done only after the previous one has been completely absorbed. Such impregnation protects for 2–3 years.
If you want to protect your windows for decades, you need to impregnate them in a different way.
- For this purpose it is taken metal pipe 10 centimeters thick, with one end sealed. It is installed at an angle of 30 degrees, three-quarters filled with drying oil and heated from below using a hair dryer or hotplate.
- Impregnation with drying oil begins after the bubbles disappear on its surface.
- Next, you will need an iron hook with a built-in end. The part is placed in the pipe and pressed down with a hook for 5 minutes. Then they hook the bar with the tip of the hook, remove it and dry it.
- You cannot touch the parts with your hands, since the temperature of the hot drying oil is more than +130 degrees. Moreover, this entire procedure must be carried out exclusively on the street and away from residential buildings. As a result of this treatment, the service life of wooden window frames can increase to 100 years.
If you want to repaint as little as possible, then after the procedure described above they need to be coated with an oil composition.
Assembly of sashes and insulation
When the window sashes are cleared of paint, they need to be prepared for assembly. To do this, they are laid on a shield and then aligned at right angles. Particular attention should be paid to the details of the window, since even a difference in diagonals of 1 millimeter can lead to a gap of 0.7 millimeters.
As soon as the area is leveled, it is immediately secured with glue or nails, which are carefully driven into the shield directly next to the sash. You definitely need to look through and remove (if not already removed) the nails.
wooden windows cannot do without their insulation. In addition, by insulating windows, you can also significantly reduce heat loss in your home.
- There are the following methods for insulating windows:
- fabric strips;
- silicone sealants;
- special paper strips;
- tubular profiles;
- heat-saving film;
The best is considered to be insulation using heat-saving film, as well as using a sealant in the frame sashes. First, silicone sealant is applied to the places where the sashes and glass are connected. After this, a cutter is taken and a 5-millimeter recess is cut around the perimeter of the sash. Moreover, it is necessary to saw off at an angle of 45 degrees. Next, you need to clean the surfaces from chips. Now you can press the PVC seal into the resulting groove without stretching it. Thus, wooden windows are reliably insulated.
Painting and glazing
Proper glazing of windows with wooden frames is to install the glass hermetically. This moment is very important, since micro-cracks can form between the glass and the frame, into which air can blow.
It is best to seal glass with silicone glue, such as aquarium sealant. The glue is applied along the groove under the glass of the frame, then the glass is inserted and fixed with glazing beads. If there are any escaping drops of glue, they must be wiped off with a sponge that has been pre-moistened with vinegar. At the same time, you should not wipe off the nail heads from the glue, as its layer will become additional protection from rust. The windows must be left for about a day to dry completely.
Sometimes, when repairing wooden windows, it is necessary to replace the glass, for example, if there are defects in the form of cracks, clouding, scuffs, and so on.
When ordering new glass, it is necessary to take accurate measurements of the opening, but at the same time order glass 2-3 millimeters smaller. This is due to the fact that glass expands under the influence of temperature, and such a small gap will prevent the glass from breaking. Glass can also be fixed in the frame using glazing beads and very small nails. In this case, the glazing beads need to be pre-impregnated with drying oil, painted or treated with stain. After this, you can make holes in them using a thin nail drill. Thus, when driving nails, the glazing bead will remain intact, just like the glass.
Without glazing bead, the glass is installed on putty. You can buy it ready-made in a store or make it yourself from chalk and drying oil. It is best to prepare the window before painting. Why sand it, treat existing unevenness with putty. Then, the window is once again superficially sanded. The last step is to apply oil-adhesive putty and clean it again with sandpaper.
There are various means for treating wooden windows. For example, if the surface of the window looks decent, then it is better to coat it with varnish. To level or give the wood a different tone, stain is used. It also allows you to make small defects invisible. If there are a large number of putty areas, then it is better to paint the windows. For painting wooden windows, acrylic or Oil paint. Advantages acrylic paint are that they dry quickly, while oil-based ones last longer.
For painting, the paint is first diluted. Thick paint does not allow the wood to penetrate well, and streaks may form. To make the window look neater after painting, it is better to apply more liquid paint, but in several layers. Before painting, the window glass should be coated with masking tape. The first coat of paint is applied to saturate the wood. Only after it has completely dried can the second and subsequent layers be applied. They begin to paint from the glass from the inner surface.
When moving into an apartment or starting a renovation, do not rush to replace wooden windows with plastic analogues “from the best European manufacturers" Even if the window frames look dilapidated, they may be quite suitable for further use. Most of the old windows were made back in Soviet times, when the requirements for the quality of material and workmanship were quite high. Of course, repairs, insulation and external finishing may be required, but if you wish, have free time and minimal cash investments, there is every chance of getting a decent result.
Which windows make sense to restore?
It would seem that a completely damaged window frame is still quite subject to restorationTo assess the feasibility of restoration, you need to take into account the material from which the frames are made. Larch and pine have a “life” limit of 25–35 years, beech and oak - more than 50 years.
Restoration will not meet your expectations if:
- there is complete loosening of the window frames in the openings;
- the wood of the windows has dried out;
- the structure of the wood looks loose, when pressed, dents remain;
- dark spots appear under the paint (underneath them, as a rule, is rot and rot);
- windows are seriously damaged (frames are split, etc.);
- a visual inspection shows that the frames are bent or severely deformed during operation.
Before restoration, also pay attention to the fact that the wood must be dry.
Photo gallery: materials needed to repair old wooden frames
Using a primer will significantly extend the life of wooden windows 
The most popular when painting window frames is considered alkyd paint 
The film will not only retain heat, but also protect the room from unwanted light. 
In most cases, the tubular seal is equipped with an adhesive strip, which greatly facilitates its installation on the window frame 
Silicone sealant for windows will get rid of even the smallest cracks 
You can buy paper strips, although it is not at all difficult to make them yourself 
Antiseptic treatment will protect windows from mold and mildew 
Putty allows you to eliminate cracks and chips on old frames 
Using metal corners, the window geometry is corrected
Removing old paint from window frames
Paint can be removed thermally or chemically.
Thermal method
To perform thermal cleaning, we will need an industrial hair dryer (heat gun).
It is best to remove old paint using a hair dryer Do not try to heat up wood with a hair dryer. It will not give the desired temperature (200°). Also don't use blowtorch or a propane torch - you'll only char the surface!
An industrial hair dryer sets the temperature in the range of 200–250°. It is not necessary to go higher, as this will lead to a loss of quality of the material. It is advisable to put a narrow nozzle on the heat-generating hole, which will prevent the glass from heating. They should be included in the set of such heat devices.
The frame needs to be placed on a narrow edge and rotated as needed. We consistently heat up sections of 20–30 cm, while keeping the hairdryer at a distance of 10–15 cm from the frame. When the paint begins to bubble, remove it with a spatula or shoe knife.
After heating with a hairdryer, the paint is removed from the wood with almost no effort. Remember that the hair dryer quickly overheats, so follow the regime: 5 minutes of operation - 10 minutes of cooling.
You should not use a sharpened spatula; it will slip over the old paint or, conversely, cut into the surface.
Chemical method
The chemical method is effective only with a small number of layers of old paint. A special reagent, which is sold in hardware stores, is applied to the surface and left for a certain time according to the instructions. Then remove the softened paint with a spatula and rags.
The substances used are toxic, so it is better to do the work outside (or on open balcony). Also remember about protective equipment: gloves, respirator, goggles.
Putty and primer
Before carrying out this operation, you should carefully examine the window and use a marker to mark all cracks and chips, and then use sandpaper to eliminate obvious roughness. All detected cracks and irregularities should be treated with oil or latex putty.
The puttying process should be given special attention, since the heat-saving properties of windows directly depend on its quality A rubber spatula is used to complete the work. Excess putty should be removed immediately; after it hardens, this will be problematic.
Wood putty has a certain drying time according to the instructions, which must be maintained.
As soon as the first layer of putty has dried, if necessary, apply a second one. When the second layer has dried, you should go over the putty surfaces with fine-grained sandpaper.
Geometry straightening
The appearance of drafts when closed window, increased audibility of street noise, as well as creaks and significant physical effort required to open or close a window are typical signs of broken window geometry. Check the geometry of the valves, adjust them if necessary and secure the result by installing metal corners.
Please note that window geometry does not always have to obey the “right angle” rule. If, for example, the window frame itself is somewhat skewed, then it makes no sense to check the geometry of the window using a square. It is better to pay attention to how the window closes and opens.
The geometry is adjusted by adjusting the tension of the screws located in the window hinges. If, when closing, the window sash catches the frame, adjustment of the upper hinge is required. The lower hinge is responsible for moving the sash to the right/left.
The corners can be screwed in with a regular screwdriver, but it’s faster and easier to do this with a screwdriver Metal corners They are attached at the joints of frame parts and have both decorative and fixing purposes. Right place placement of corners - with inside window. Quantity - four pieces per frame. To install, first prepare the grooves of the required size using a chisel. We insert the corners into the grooves. We check the accuracy of the installation: we check the length of the frame diagonals.
Insulation
There are several ways to reduce heat loss from windows, using:
- paper for covering windows;
- silicone sealants;
- fabric strips;
- tubular profiles;
- seals in frame sashes;
- heat-saving film.
The last two methods are the most effective and aesthetically pleasing.
First, we treat the junction of the glass and sashes with silicone sealant.
Silicone sealant is excellent for insulating wooden windows Then, along the perimeter of the sash, using a milling cutter at an angle of 45° in the direction of the flashing, we cut out a groove 5 mm deep and remove the chips from the channel. We consistently press the PVC seal into the resulting groove along its entire length, without stretching it.
To facilitate installation of the seal in the groove, you can use a special roller The seal, in addition to protecting against drafts, provides additional sound insulation.
Recently, energy-saving film has been used to insulate windows. It is transparent, does not impair visibility and has a self-adhesive backing.
Energy-saving film not only saves heat, but also protects the room from excessive sunlight Its functional features are as follows: the film transmits daylight, but prevents heat transfer from the room, which allows you to save up to 60% of the heat escaping through the windows. The method of applying each specific film is described in detail in the instructions supplied with it.
Window finishing
Before painting the frame, it should be soaked with an antiseptic. This will avoid fungal infections and rotting. If the climate of your region is quite dry, then the antiseptic may not be used. Then priming is carried out. Alkyd, acrylic and polystyrene primers are considered the most suitable for wooden frames.
After the primer has dried, the frames can be painted.
There are three different types of paint you can use:
| Alkyd | The oils and resins that make up its base actively prevent fading and deformation that occurs due to temperature changes. In addition, after painting the frames can be washed with any detergent. White spirit (less often drying oil or turpentine) is used as a solvent. |
| Acrylic | It is based on water and polymers. It is quite resistant to the sun, precipitation, and abrasion. By adding color you can choose the desired shade. Absent bad smell. Dries quickly. Plain water can be used as a solvent. |
| Dispersive (water-based) | The main advantage is the ability to repaint the surface of windows many times without removing layers of old paint. Has good resistance to fading. Inexpensive. Solvent – water. |
Painting windows is a simple process, which, however, requires some care. It is advisable to paint windows in two to three layers. Dilute paint correctly with solvent. It is better to do this as you use it. For example, pour 300–500 grams into a separate container and mix there. Optimal density allows you to create a clean, uniform layer that does not spread.
For the first layer, it is advisable to use a thinner consistency of paint. Do not try to cover up all visible defects at once. The first layer is partially absorbed. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly, otherwise the second layer applied to a damp surface will become covered with wrinkles and bubbles.
To avoid the unpleasant procedure of removing paint from glass, use a special masking tape and stick it on the glass close to the frame in advance.
If you don't want to paint the frames, you can simply varnish them. Varnishing happens:
- Opaque - using pigmented varnishes that completely hide the texture and color of the wood;
- Transparent - colorless varnish is used for it, preserving the natural appearance of the wood.
Of course, there are other types of finishing for window frames, such as imitation and special. They are quite labor intensive and require a certain level of vocational training, as well as the use of special tools.
After the finishing coating has dried, a new one can be installed if necessary. window fittings. The process of replacing hinges requires comment here. First, we correctly determine the place of their attachment. For this purpose, we insert the frame into the opening and fix it with wedges. Only when an equal gap between the frame and the opening is achieved along the entire perimeter do we mark the locations of the installation points. Using a chisel, we make a groove for future seating of the hinge and screw in the screws.
Video: DIY window restoration
The following video shows in detail all the stages of window frame restoration.
Born in 1977 in Donetsk, Ukraine. Graduated from the Donetsk Polytechnic Institute (now Donetsk State Technical University) with a degree in Automated Control Systems. Worked in Donetsk metallurgical plant. In 1997 he moved to Moscow, where for 8 years he worked in several construction teams.