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DIY can cause more problems that it fixes sometimes. Here’s our guide to 8 of the biggest DIY mistakes that you can make with wooden windows, and how to stop them from happening.
1. Painting over the seals
A particularly common mistake that many people make is painting over window seals. This can have potentially disastrous consequences. When the paint dries, these seals will be effectively painted shut making it incredibly difficult to open the window without a chisel. The solution? Always put masking tape along the window seals to stop this from happening.
2. Using greenwood or untreated window
Perhaps a rather obvious mistake, but always check that the wood you’re using to repair or replace a window has been treated and isn’t green. Untreated wood will be much more susceptible to pests and rot, may warp, and will require replacing much sooner.
3. Not sanding down paint
Not sanding down the surface of wooden windows can also result in an uneven finish when it comes to applying the final coat of paint. Make sure that you use a high quality sandpaper and use long, even strokes when sanding. Try not to scrub the window like you would a floor!
4. Not knowing the difference between hardwoods and softwoods
Not knowing the difference between hardwoods and softwoods can have a real impact on the performance of your window. These types of wood have different properties, that make them suited to different types of windows and environments. Read more about the difference between hardwoods and softwoods here.
5. Measuring once and cutting twice
Perhaps one of the most needless mistakes that people make when repairing wooden windows is not checking measurements accurately. Whether it’s the amount of paint you need or replacing parts of the timber frames, false measurements can have expensive consequences. When preparing to repair or install a wooden window, always measure twice and cut once.
6. Not maintaining them properly
Not maintaining your timber windows properly can be a time-consuming and expensive mistake. Wooden windows will require a regular coat of paint every 5-8 years in order to be protected against the elements and water-damage. If you neglect to paint your timber windows, this can eventually lead to rot.
7. Using poor quality wood
As with most things, you get what you pay for. If you buy a wooden window with poor quality wood, you get a window with poor performance. When repairing and renovating windows, always make sure that you use the highest quality wood that you can afford: this will ensure that you get the most out of you window in terms of performance.
8. Not using the right safety equipment
According to RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) nearly 220,000 DIY enthusiasts are admitted to A&E every year. Many of these accidents can be avoided simply by adopting a few easy safety measures. Ensure that you wear the right safety gear such as goggles, gloves or masks if you need to and don’t overestimate your capabilities or rush to finish a job.
High quality wooden windows from a restoration specialist
Wessex Restoration only use high quality hardwoods, and exceptional softwoods in the manufacture of our wooden windows. This ensures that they maintain an impeccable level of performance and appearance. Here at Wessex, we’ve been restoring heritage properties across the South West for over 10 years. To find out more about our restoration and renovation services, give us a call on 01275 810322 or email us.