Windows offer a view of the world outside but more than that, they remain an integral part of any building’s framework. They provide light to people and protect them from the natural elements at the same time.
The thing with buildings, particularly older ones that have wooden windows, is that these tend to rot over time. Learn to identify signs of wood rot around your commercial windows, and by extension, know how you can replace these with the help of this article.
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When is it Time to Replace Wood Around Commercial Windows?
Commercial wooden windows may appear to remain in good working condition. However, rot may have already taken root inside it. Below are some ways that can help you determine when it’s time to replace wood around your windows.
Some tell-tale signs that your commercial window frames are already rotting include large cracks in their foundation. Paint cracking, alongside irregular wood surfaces, may also indicate that woot rot is already taking place. Wood that’s also spongy to the touch or discolored wood is also a rot indicator.
Assess the extent of the rot. If the wood around your commercial windows already feels soft or spongy, the damage may already be too deep. For windows that only have a small damaged part, then repairing it will do. However, larger issues will need replacements.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Rotted Wood Around Windows
If you find yourself needing to replace rotted wood around your commercial windows, you need to prepare for a pretty major project. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Gather the Materials
Before you proceed, make sure to gather all the materials to ensure a smooth-sailing process. Take a look at this list:
- Pry bar
- Saw
- Caulk and caulk gun
- Hammer
- Galvanized nails
- Replacement wood
- Measuring tape
Find the Rotted Parts
Once you have all the materials, you should identify the exact location of the rotted parts. This way, you can efficiently address the problem without damaging perfectly good wood. Nevertheless, this ensures that you do not miss any vulnerable parts.
A thorough search is necessary and you can do this by assessing the entire window. Start from one edge to another until you cover all four sides. Look out for soft spots, chipped, splinters, peeled, discolored, and more. The general idea is to look for all signs of rotting, including visual ones.
Identify the Cause
Now that you know where the vulnerabilities were, your next step is to find the cause. Moisture is the number one enemy of wood, so the source could be leaks, unsealed insulation, and peeling paint.
No matter the cause, it is important to address it before installing new wood. Remember, replacing the wood without addressing the source of the issue will only result in your new pieces rotting all over again.
Remove the Rotted Sections
Once you have identified the rotted parts and addressed the source, your next step is to remove the bad parts. You can use a pry bar to pull them out. If you can take them in one piece or keep the piece intact, do so because you will need them in later steps.
However, there may be unsalvageable parts, so do not hesitate to cut them loose. Just avoid damaging the remaining good parts of the window.
Measure the Removed Pieces and Customize New Wood
Once you pull the pieces free, make sure to measure every part and take note of the specifications. This can help you customize replacement wood to create new pieces.
If you do not have old parts to measure, you can measure the niche where the pieces would go. Just be ready to make adjustments because you might need to give or take some wood to ensure that the pieces fit properly.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Removing the rotted parts will surely leave openings and imperfections in the existing wood, so before installing the new pieces, make sure to seal the openings. Use the caulk and caulk gun to seal the openings. You can also use sealant tapes to cover them.
If leaks and moisture are the culprits, then you should consider applying some flashing to prevent this from happening again.
Nail New Pieces
After measuring and cutting the new parts, then sealing the openings, you can install the new pieces to where they rightfully go. Do this using galvanized nails and a hammer. Then, nail down both ends, as well as the center. You might need to use wood
Apply Finishing Touches
Once you are done installing the pieces, you can apply finishing touches, such as paints. Apply two to three coats of paint for good measure. Make sure to wait for the first layer to dry before applying a new one.
The Bottom Line
Your commercial windows can make your building vulnerable if you do not address the rotted wood. Now that you know how to properly address the issue, you can rest easy knowing that your building and its windows are in good working order.
