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.
Replies
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.
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
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
Bondo is not a great choice. It tends to trap moisture and cause further rot. Great temporary repair but not long lasting.
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.
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.
Would you mind relating what brand of aluminum clad wood windows you had and how old they are?
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.