A Guide to Preventing Rot and Decay in Your Timber Windows

Timber is one of the most popular materials amongst homeowners when it comes to windows, and for good reason. Not only is timber highly durable and aesthetically pleasing, but it is also energy efficient and can help you save on your electricity bills. However, timber is susceptible to rot and decay, which often occur when it isn’t properly taken care of. In this post, we take a closer look at how you can prevent rot and decay in your timber windows.

The Causes of Rot and Decay

Before you can learn how to prevent rot and decay on your timber windows, it is essential for you to understand the causes of rot and decay in timber. Rot and decay in timber are primarily caused by three external factors: moisture, fungi and insects.

Moisture

Moisture is the leading catalyst of wood decay as it creates a suitable environment for the growth of fungi and other microorganisms that contribute significantly to decay. Timber is especially susceptible because it is porous, allowing it to absorb moisture that speeds up its own decay.

Fungi and Microorganisms

Fungi and microorganisms are the things that primarily drive the rotting process for wood. These tend to thrive in a moist and warm environment and can rapidly colonise timber when the conditions are suitable. They break down the cellulose and lignin in timber, consuming it for energy and effectively eating up the timber from the inside out.

Insects

The main types of insects that are associated with wood rot and decay are termites, carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. These insects often build their nests within timber through a process of tunnelling that severely weakens the timber. At the same time, these openings in the wood create ideal conditions for the growth of fungi and other microorganisms, further contributing to rot and decay.

Protecting Against Rot and Decay

Here are some steps that you can take to protect your timber windows against rot and decay:

Waterproofing and Sealing

One of the most important things you can do to protect your timber windows is to seal them with a protective layer of waterproof coating. This will reduce their susceptibility to taking on too much water and create a conducive environment for rot to occur.

Insect Prevention

It is also crucial for you to ensure that you use pesticides and other insect repellents to prevent insects from building nests within your timber windows. You should also conduct regular inspections and deal with budding colonies as they begin to form.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

At the same time, inspecting your timber windows regularly to identify any early signs of rotting can also be beneficial to ensuring their longevity. Address any issues in your timber windows at an early stage to prevent them from worsening in the future.

Get Your Custom Timber Windows from Valley Windows

Valley Windows is a leading supplier of custom timber windows in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. If your windows are in need of a change, we would be happy to help. Contact us today for a free quote!