Repairing Water Damage to Window Frame

[RealPolitik]

I need to repair the attached window frame - it’s softwood, and the inner section where the window stay pin mounts has split from being constantly soaked with condensation. There’s some wood lost, although the rest of the frame is good.

Would it be better to try to splice in new wood (and how?), or would an epoxy filler repair work?

 

[Wayners]

Can you not replace window. Resin will cost £50 and not that easy for a DIY person.
Aren't there some offers and support for people that qualify so that may be an option?

 

[RealPolitik]

It’s a conservation area, so slightly more involved, and I think another custom-made window with associated bits is going to be £1k or more. Zero chance of anyone else paying for it!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Would it be better to try to splice in new wood (and how?), or would an epoxy filler repair work?

My windows were much worse than that, when I first delayed the inevitable, by repairing them, eventually biting the bullet and fitting DG. I would attempt a repair on that, if the timber in the area is otherwise solid. Something like a couple of stainless steel nuts and bolts, and thin stainless sheet to act as a washer to then pull the split together. Dos the timber with wood hardener, then finally a good coat of exterior paint.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Ideally you would cut that bit of split timber out and replace with a new section with a matching profile, as the end is probably jointing onto the vertical member it doesn't make it straightforward. However if it were me, no master joiner, assuming the joint is sound I'd probably be inclined to cut it vertically where it meets the vertical section on the right and however far along to the left, then cut it horizontally in line with the cill, a multi saw is ideal for this. Then screw/glue in a new matching piece, use a two pack filler from the likes of Ronseal, (more like £10 not £50). Then prime and paint after you've sanded down/re-filled the filler. This all assumes the surrounding timber isn't rotten too, you could use some timber hardener on any bare wood anyway (also Ronseal).

Or try Harry's even more temporary repair first.

 

[Wayners]

eBay have wooden windows starting at £250. That an option?

Repair care resin is about £50 for the 2 in 1 although you could use 2 pack which is cheaper at £10. Not as good though but may get you a few years...

 

[Why Not Indeed]

Here's how I would approach this:
- Hoover/pick/scrape/brush out as much of the loose material as possible
- Squirt PVA in to the crack. Might have to push it in with a thin something or inject it with a syringe. Clamp it shut with multiple clamps - but I can't see how tall that bit of timber is, so you may not be able to get any purchase on it with clamps.
- Not clear how big the missing timber is? Either Toupret flexible wood filler, or glue in a sliver of timber to fill the bulk of the volume, then filler
- Sand and paint.

Then in future, keep a close eye. If it's constantly wetted in winter then you'll be forever having to repair it.

 

[RealPolitik]

I cleaned them up, used hardener, glued and clamped the spilts, cut a piece of wood to fit the gap and packed out the difference with two-part filler (including filling the groove for the old compression seal, for a bit more strength). Seems OK so far…