Repair wood rot with an epoxy filler.
Window sills and frames are a frequent location of wood rot, because the exterior is constantly exposed to the outdoor elements. In addition, leaking gutters or no gutters cause rainwater to seep down into windows, which results in decay. Although wood rot is a serious problem if left unrepaired, many areas of wood rot are simple to repair. Most homeowners can perform wood rot repair themselves using readily available products from a home improvement or hardware store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place a chisel against the area of rotted wood and tap it gently with a hammer to dislodge as much of the decayed wood as possible. Continue the wood removal until you reach healthy, yellow-colored wood on all sides.
2. Insert a 1/4-inch bit into a drill. Place the bit against the healthy wood and drill 1/2-inch deep holes into the wood that are spaced approximately 1 to 2 inches apart.
3. Use a dry paintbrush to brush away all wood dust and shavings from the window for a clean surface.
4. Open a bottle of liquid epoxy consolidant. Spread the liquid over the entire surface of the wood, completely filling the holes with it. Allow the epoxy to dry for five minutes and apply a second coat.
5. Continue applying the liquid epoxy and waiting five minutes until the wood stops absorbing the epoxy and a thin hard layer forms on top of the wood. This strengthens the wood as well as provides a surface on which to complete the repair.
6. Open the epoxy filler and prepare it as directed by the instructions on the packaging. Some epoxy fillers must be mixed with water, while others are ready to use straight from the packaging.
7. Scoop up some epoxy filler and place it onto the window frame. Mold the putty with your hands to fill in the area of wood that you chiseled away. Use a putty knife to smooth the repair so that it blends in with the shape and curvature of the surrounding frame.
8. Allow the epoxy filler to dry completely. Use the sandpaper to smooth any edges and raised sections until it is indistinguishable from the surrounding window.
Tags: epoxy filler, Allow epoxy, five minutes, liquid epoxy, wood that
