Why is my window hard to close?
If you’ve noticed your window has become difficult to open or close there could be a number of problems going...
Read MoreIn the past, wooden windows have simultaneously been a point of pride and annoyance for the longest time. While their classic aesthetic is undeniably appealing especially within heritage homes and period properties, the natural process of rotting can sometimes still prove to be a persistent pest. So what should one do in the event of wood rot within your windows? We at Reddish Joinery have put together a few tips.
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Why does rot occur in wooden windows?
Before delving into the nitty gritty of rot preventative measures, it’s worth highlighting why wooden windows are susceptible to rot in the first place. Simply put, timber and water are not good friends. If not properly maintained or protected, when rainfall or any type of moisture lands on the surface of your wooden windows’ cills, it’ll find its way into any available cracks and gaps, eventually going on to break down the established cell structure of the wood.
Though not completely absent, the original 19th century windows modern day alternates replicate were constructed using old growth wood, making rot less likely to occur. Because of the ever-increasing demand, today’s wooden windows are unfortunately engineered using lesser materials and methods, requiring extra efforts on behalf of the homeowner to better fend off the risk of moisture infestation.
Not so with Reddish Joinery’s wooden windows, sourcing our timber from either African Sapele hardwood or engineered Accoya.
Airtight units that prevent the build-up of moisture
Giving all our customer’s wooden windows a fighting chance against rot from the very start, each member of the Reddish Joinery team has been especially trained to install units to be as airtight as possible. An equally vital method of reducing the risks of rattles, draughts, and general poor insulation levels, such a stringent approach to fitting will help minimalise moisture impact too.
There’s no avoiding that your windows will get wet from time to time, but the secret in preventing rot is to let it dry out. To achieve this, our modern wooden windows incorporate trickle vents internally that allows concentrated air to flow through, letting the soaked wood to easily dry. This is a tact previously not possible with original timber frames.
Wipe, wipe, and wipe again.
The most active thing you can do as a homeowner to keep your wooden windows rot-free is to keep a watchful eye on the frames. Should they ever suffer from even the slightest amount of moisture build-up, wipe it away straight it away. Only the occasional one is needed, and it could save you a lot of hassle in the long term. Inspect for any present cracks, peels, or gaps, and where these problems do occur, sand them down and re-paint.
Where possible opt for rot-resistant wood: Accoya!
If you don’t have the time or want to regularly maintain your windows, we’d recommend having wooden windows installed using a composite material like Accoya. Specifically engineered and treated to enhance the internal cell structure of the wood, they’re a slighter bigger investment, but one that looks just as authentic, is highly sustainable, and allows homeowners to enjoy the appearance of timber but the strength and performance of aluminium.
Wooden windows that continue to look good
Reddish Joinery remain intent on giving homeowners in and around Cheshire the best chance possible of enjoying the benefits only wooden windows can offer. Take our tips on board, and we’re confident you will! For more information, call the team today on 0161 969 7474 or send us an online message.
