The Pacific Northwest has a moist climate that puts homes with wooden features at greater risk of wood rot. Window frames are especially susceptible to wood rot. Rain and moisture collect in these areas, causing rotten wood and seeping into cracks in the window frame to create more damage.
Prompt repair or removal of rotten wooden window frames is essential to keep your home in prime condition. You can take matters into your own hands but it is best to contact a professional to help stop the effects of rotting wood from spreading further.
Got Rot is the leading provider of wood rot repair and restoration services in the local area. We specialize in identifying and treating the common signs of wood rot around window frames. Over the years, we have gained a reputation for quality work and customer satisfaction. In this post, you will learn more about what causes wood rot to occur around a window frame, how to spot it, and the steps to take to stop it.
What Causes Wood Rot Around the Window Sill and Window Frame?
Moisture is the reason for wood rot to develop on your window sill and exterior wood window frame. When your windows or siding are not properly installed, you have roof damage or gutter issues, this can cause water to seep into the window sill instead of flowing out and away from your home as it should.
Window flashing is installed at the top of windows to protect the frame from moisture and leakage. However, if this is damaged or missing, the water will sit on top of the window casing. In time, it seeps into the frame, eventually making its way into the walls and posts of your home, which can cause significant damage to your home’s structural integrity.
Signs of Wood Rot in Window Frames
Are you worried that you may have rotten window frames? You can look out for these common signs to spot trouble before it gets out of control:
Drafty Windows
One of the hallmarks of rotting window frames is when they let a draft into your home. Drafts around windows usually indicate that there is a gap in the frame or sash, allowing air to get through even when you’ve got your windows closed.
Your Sashes Are Rattling
Another sign of a rotted window frame is when the sashes rattle in their frames. In the early stages of wood rot, the fungus attacks the cellulose in the windows, leading to shrinkage. Whenever a breeze hits the window, it will cause rattling to occur.
The Wood Feels Soft
Rotted wood on a window frame will not feel like wood anymore. Instead, it will be soft to the touch, the hallmark of damp wood rather than healthy wood. Use a screwdriver or another hard tool to conduct a further investigation. If it slides in like butter, your windows have a serious case of wood rot. The window will need to be repaired or replaced, and you should have the wall surrounding this area inspected to make sure the dry rot has not spread.
Bubbling or Peeling Paint
When water damage causes moisture in the wood, the wood then swells and warps, resulting in bubbling or peeling paint. Sometimes when paint is applied in thick layers, it can bubble, so it may require you to remove some of the paint to inspect the area. You may get lucky and find that the wood is not damaged, or you may discover you have a case of dry rot.
Difficulty Opening Windows
Windows that don’t open easily may also indicate that there is a big problem with fungus in the wood. They can swell and warp, changing the shape of the window and making it hard to open.
If you have compromised wood windows, you should quickly make repairs. Moist wood is an invitation to an array of pests like termites and carpenter ants who will feast on the rotting wood and cause even more damage. While older homes are more prone to rot, excess moisture seeping in and around the windows of new homes is also possible. Every homeowner should be diligent in inspecting their home for wood rot as it poses serious health risks, not to mention damages to their house.
How Do You Treat Rotten Wooden Window Frames?
When there is dry rot in your exterior wood windows and wood trim, you can try using an epoxy wood filler or create a wood insert. Epoxy is ideal if you have a minor case of wood rot.
You will need to remove the rotted wood, clean out the gap, and then fill it with epoxy or wood fillers. They can then be sanded and painted, creating a pristine appearance once again.
However, using wood filler is best in scenarios where the wood rot has not gone deeper than 2 inches into the wood. If it is much deeper, you should replace the rotted wood around your windows with a custom wood insert. Unless you have some basic carpentry skills, this way to repair rotting windows is best left to a professional.
Additionally, you may need to replace the window frame entirely with new windows, especially if the rot has spread to the surrounding walls, which is another job that is better done by someone with the required licensing and experience.
How a Professional Can Help with Wood Rot Around Window Frames
Performing regular maintenance on your house is the best way to avoid trouble with wood rot, mold, mildew, and other issues. You might try to save money by doing your own repair work, which is possible if you notice the early signs of rot.
If not, you will need help from Got Rot, the dry rot repair experts in Seattle. With a team of tradesmen with an average of over 10 years of experience in eliminating rot from windows and other places in the home, your window woes will soon be over. Stop further deterioration of your house and contact Got Rot today.