FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Wood preserver/sealer for window sills

darrel | Posted in General Discussion on June 23, 2003 03:18am

The house we own now has had aluminum cladding over the windows for several years. It was either hiding rot, or caused rot, and now I’m in the process of replacing a few windows, and rebuilding the trim on most of the rest.

Not a big deal. The only ‘gotcha’ is that a few of the otherwise good windows (just need new brick moulding) have slightly rotted sills. Mainly soft-spots in the corners. I don’t want to put in a new sill (as that would require rebuilding the entire window) and so a few people have recommended that I just strip down the windows and then use some sort of penetrating wood preserver.

Can anyone recommend a good wood preserving product that is relativly safe for a clumsy homeowner? ;o)

It sounds like the best stuff to use would be something that I’d apply after first pre-drilling several holes in the damaged wood to make sure the preservative gets down in the wood properly.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. FastEddie1 | Jun 23, 2003 03:39pm | #1

    I think there is an article in the current issue about a guy in New Orleans that does repairs, and he names specific products.  I have had good luck with Bondo.  Dig out all the damaged wood, apply bondo, sand and paint.  Two problems: it hardens quickly (that's also a plus) and you end up with a smooth finish - so if you wanted texture you would have to get a little creative.

    Do it right, or do it twice.

    1. NormKerr | Jun 23, 2003 07:08pm | #2

      Abotron sells wood epoxy in two forms: watery thin for pouring into the rotted wood to consilidate the flimsy fibers, and bondo-paste consistency for building up the surface after using the consolidator.

      Works great, kinda pricey but lots easier than replacing a lot of otherwise good wood (depends on the situation).

      They have adds in every issue, and has worked well for me.

      Norm

      1. PhillGiles | Jun 23, 2003 11:09pm | #3

        This is what I've been using and recommending - the consolidator (sp?) works like magic - their filler leaves some to be desired, so there's still a place for Bondo or West System (use the ballons to make filler paste). I've also tried one that looks like a barber pole, only brown and white, you cut off a piece the size of a chaw, mix it in your palm, and fill in the cracks..

        Phill Giles

        The Unionville Woodwright

        Unionville, Ontario

    2. archyII | Jun 24, 2003 02:57am | #5

      Bondo is not a great choice.  It tends to trap moisture and cause further rot.  Great temporary repair but not long lasting.

      1. FastEddie1 | Jun 24, 2003 05:17am | #6

        True, but any epoxy will trap moisture, as will a decent layer of paint.  The key is to either design, build, or rebuild it so that moisture can weep out.Do it right, or do it twice.

        1. darrel | Jun 24, 2003 06:22am | #7

          Hey guys...thanks for the replies thus far.

          I'm familiar with Bondo, but I don't think I'm looking for a filler...but an actual wood preservative. Now that I think about it, I remember an article in an old This Old House I must have laying somewhere...I'll try and dig it up.

          I have the latest issue of FHB, I'll check for the article in there.

          As for the windows, they're not truly aluminum clad windows. They're the original windows on the house (1929) that now have replacement inserts. I think when they did the inserts, they came out and clad the brick moulding and sills with aluminum. It looks nice, but was hiding a lot of rot (and, as such, the awnings were almost falling out). I had to tear out all of the brick moulding and some other external trim pieces. Replacing the brick moulding hasn't been that hard (just had to recreate the original cope to fit it with the Stucco) but the sills aren't something I can just pull out.

  2. djohan | Jun 23, 2003 11:31pm | #4

    Would you mind relating what brand of aluminum clad wood windows you had and how old they are?

  3. RF_Burns | Sep 16, 2023 10:00am | #8

    I'm a bit late to this thread, but I just found this site.

    We bought a nice house in the country several years ago. It has Pella aluminum clad wood windows. One north facing window had bad rot on the bottom piece. It was a window that opened, so I removed it and used bondo to fix the rotted parts. It was easy to see how the water gets between the cladding and the glass, then gets absorbed by the wood and rots it.
    Seems these windows were a part of a Class Action lawsuit in the USA, but I am in Canada.
    Anyone know a good way to seal the cladding to the glass? Also a good preservative for the wood?
    Thanks

  4. primitive@gmx.com | Sep 16, 2023 07:52pm | #9

    Echoing Norm- Arbatron. You apply the two part hardener onto the rotten area and let it dry 24+ hours at minimum. Then mix the two part filler and apply with a puffy knife. A disposable brush dipped in some paint thinner is great for blending the edges. It dries so hard you can fasten screws into it. Great product and I’ve used it on sills many times. I no longer use bondo as I find this product to be superior.

  5. coolwillie | Sep 16, 2023 10:58pm | #10

    Woodlife is a wood preservative that soaks into the wood. You can paint or use Epoxy over it. Bondo is made for cars not wood, it is too hard. I, too, use Abatron, Wood Epoxy

  6. RF_Burns | Sep 18, 2023 10:44am | #11

    Thanks for the info on the Abatron products.

    Any ideas on the beast way to seal the glass to the aluminum clad to keep the water from getting to the wood?

    Thanks

  7. jbrown_painting | Sep 20, 2023 01:27am | #12

    Wood preserver/sealer provides a durable barrier against water penetration, preventing rotting and warping that can occur over time. It also acts as a shield against harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and discoloration. By applying this product to your window sills, you can ensure their longevity and maintain their natural beauty for years to come.

    One of the greatest advantages of using a wood preserver/sealer is its ease of application. With just a few simple steps, you can effectively protect your window sills from environmental damage. The product is formulated to be user-friendly, allowing even those with minimal DIY skills to achieve professional-looking results.
    Investing in a high-quality wood preserver/sealer is not only a wise decision for preserving the condition of your window sills but also an environmentally conscious choice. By extending the lifespan of your window sills through proper treatment, you reduce waste by minimizing the need for replacement materials.

  8. Billiiiiii | Sep 20, 2023 08:41am | #13

    You can consider using a wood preservative product like "Boracare" or "Copper-Green Wood Preservative." These products are effective at treating and preventing wood rot, especially in cases where you want to preserve the existing wood without completely replacing it.

    Here's a step-by-step approach for treating the rotted sills:

    1. **Prepare the Area**: Start by removing any loose or damaged wood around the rotted areas. Clean the surface to ensure the preservative can penetrate properly.

    2. **Pre-drill Holes**: As you mentioned, pre-drilling holes in the damaged wood is a good practice. This allows the preservative to penetrate deeper and reach all affected areas.

    3. **Apply the Preservative**: Follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Typically, you would apply the wood preservative generously to the affected areas, making sure it soaks into the wood. Use a brush or spray applicator for even coverage.

    4. **Allow Drying**: Let the preservative dry as per the manufacturer's recommendations. This may take some time, so be patient.

    5. **Replace Brick Moulding**: After the preservative has dried, you can proceed to replace the brick molding, ensuring that the repaired wood is structurally sound.

    6. **Seal and Paint**: Seal the repaired area with an appropriate wood sealer and then paint it to match the rest of the window trim for a uniform appearance.

    Safety-wise, when working with wood preservatives, it's important to wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses, and work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure. Follow all safety precautions mentioned on the product's label.

    Before starting the project, you may also want to consult with a local hardware store or a professional in your area to ensure you select the right wood preservative for your specific needs and to get any additional tips for your particular situation.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps

Choosing the right heating and cooling system means finding the best fit for your home's size, layout, and climate—and balancing trade-offs in efficiency, comfort, and cost.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data