Scottish winters are hard on any building, and windows take the brunt of it. Driving rain, freezing nights and long spells of damp all test the paint, putty and joints of timber windows. A little timber window maintenance in autumn makes a real difference to how warm, dry and easy to use your windows are between now and spring.
Well-made timber windows are built to cope with the Scottish climate. Most winter problems start small: a crack in the paint, a gap in the putty or a worn seal that lets in a draught. Spotting them early helps you plan ahead.
Start with a walk round the outside
Look at each window from the outside on a dry day. Pay most attention to the elevations that face the prevailing wind and rain, as these usually weather fastest. Check for:
- Cracked or flaking paint, especially on the bottom rail of the sash and the cill, where water sits longest.
- Loose or missing putty around the glass, which can let water reach the timber.
- Dark or soft patches in the timber, which can be a sign that moisture has got in.
- Gaps between the frame and the stonework, where old mastic or pointing has failed.
Small areas of damaged paint can usually be cleaned, lightly sanded and touched up before the weather turns. Anything soft or crumbling is worth having looked at properly.
Timber window maintenance: paint is the first line of defence
Paint is what keeps water out of the timber, so a sound paint finish is the single most important part of timber window maintenance. For our own windows we recommend cleaning painted surfaces with plain water, sanding lightly once dry, removing the dust and repainting with an equivalent paint every few years, depending on how exposed the window is.
Try to do any painting in a dry spell with mild temperatures, so the paint can cure properly. If the weather has already turned, small touch-ups now and a full repaint in spring usually work best.
Check that sashes and casements move freely
Open and close every window. Sash windows should slide smoothly and stay where you leave them; casements should close tightly against their seals. Sticking, rattling or windows that drop are all signs that something needs attention, such as a worn cord, swollen timber or a build-up of paint on the moving parts.
It is tempting to leave a stiff window shut all winter, but if it is your only means of ventilation in a room, condensation can build up. Our sash and case window maintenance advice covers the most common faults.
Deal with draughts without sealing the window shut
Draughts are the most common winter complaint with older timber windows. Worn seals, warped sashes and gaps around the frame all let cold air in. New timber windows come with modern seals and glazing, so they stay warm without losing their traditional look.
Avoid quick fixes such as sealing sashes shut with tape or filler. They stop the window opening, can trap moisture and often make the problem worse.
Keep an eye on condensation
Condensation on the inside of the glass is common in cold weather, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Wipe it away regularly so water does not sit on the timber, and keep rooms ventilated where you can. If water regularly pools on the internal cill, it is worth finding out why.
When it’s time to replace
If a winter check turns up widespread rot, badly distorted sashes or windows that cannot be made to work properly, it is usually time to replace them. Bespoke timber sash and case windows can match the original style of your property while giving you the comfort of modern glazing and seals.
Because bespoke windows are made to order, it is worth starting the conversation early. That way, any new windows can be made and fitted at a time that suits you, rather than in the middle of a cold snap.
Request a free quote
If your timber windows are draughty, sticking or showing signs of damage, Hilston & Bennett can help. We make and fit bespoke timber windows and doors for homes across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Perthshire and Lanarkshire. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote, or call 01324 612 704.