Repairing circular window frame

Hello All

Catching up on the various maintenance jobs which the previous owner of our house had neglected...

We have a round window with a stain glasses panel on the side of the house. It looked a bit iffy and when I poked it the frame turned out to be shot. It seems to be made from an outer frame (about 30 mm deep) and an inner frame (70 mm deep). The rot has spread into the inner frame at the bottom.

I’ve been thinking how to try and sort this out...

A. New upvc window with stained glass encapsulated in the unit. Been quoted £850 inc fitting - ouch.

B. Buy a replacement frame: found a chap who will make one bespoke in oak, £370, and I’d fit it myself.

C. Attempt to repair what’s there: hack out rot from inner frame, use “wet rot hardener” then copious amounts of epoxy filler to make good. Fabricate an “outer frame” by cutting a ring from two pieces of 18 mum ply sandwiched together. I’d put a rebate in for the glass to fit and run a rounding bit on the inner edge. Prime and paint.

I’m thinking C would be cheapest but not sure how durable this would be? Has anyone got any experience of doing similar or better ideas?

Photos below. Pic of rot may not be exhaustive, I stopped poking around as I didn’t want the window to fall out before I had a solution!

rikdogguk, good evening.

OK the DIY option is "tempting" but, from the images posted that entire window is not in good condition at all, also, you cannot guarantee the condition of the internal part of the timber at the top of the window?
As for wood rot eating pastes and potions? sorry not for me.

My preferred option would be to opt for option "B" the bespoke oak replacement, provided he offers a full build, fit and fit the glazing? the cost is very reasonable considering it is a bulls-eye and in Oak? with all the rebates needed to hold the glazing, with all due respect not a job for the faint heart???

Ken.

Hi Ken

Unfortunately the oak frame price is supply only. I was planning on attempting to fit myself: wedge in place, then foam round the edge. Perhaps some stainless screws if I can hide them and get a decent fixing into the brickwork.

I’m a reasonably competent DIYer though I must admit to not having fitted a window before!

I have used epoxy filler with good results but am a bit sceptical of the rot treatment. I’m also a little unsure of how perfect a circle I can cut from plywood through jigsaw and sanding.

You are right it’s not one for the faint hearted, all or nothing once the old frame is knocked out!

Thanks, Richard

I'd go for 2.

3. would be a bodge, and 1. would be an abomination.

If you wedge it, foam it, and finish with mortar or frame sealant, it won't be going anywhere.

geraldthehamster said:

I'd go for 2.

3. would be a bodge, and 1. would be an abomination.

If you wedge it, foam it, and finish with mortar or frame sealant, it won't be going anywhere.

Click to expand...

I made some portholes last year - no mechanical fixings just plenty of silicone.

Oak seems an odd choice of timber if its being painted. I made mine in tricoya mdf.

Yeah I think I knew deep down 3 would be a bodge. I think I’ll go for 2 and shop around to see if I can get a new unit any cheaper.

I was planning on repainting the old frame but if I’m putting in a new one in oak I’ll varnish.

I’ll post a photo when it’s done!

As a temporary measure you could fit an acrylic disc to the outside until the bespoke one is made

Presumably the oak guy is making a large circle ? He could include ready made holes and plugs for the screws. Might be worth asking a stained glass expert about reinforcing the glass. A mate did that with the front door and I think they supplied a laminated glass the same size .
The oak guy could incorporate either a larger rebate for two layers of glass - or possibly use a bit of laminated glass on the entire outside of the new frame and fit the stained glass from inside

Noticed this link?

Unusual to get a cost relaying to such bespoke bits of kit??

https://www.roundwindowcompany.co.uk/price_guide.htm

New frame finally arrived. Came with some circular wooden beading in six sections. The old window was externally beaded but I am considering if it would better to install the new one with internal bearing - more weatherproof. What is the done thing with these?