Dry Rot in windows

[Mick4412]

Have a problem with some dry rot in some windows - hopper type.
What are the alternatives ?
1) Fill with plastic wood??
2) Can I take the windows out and cut out the bottoms of the frames where the rot is, and replace sections of the frame
3) Other methods

Thanks in anticipation
Mick

[DarrylF]

How about: Fill the holes with something, slap a coat of paint over it, sell the house and make it someone else's problem?

Or: Rip out the windows and replace them with aluminium frames - don't get dry rot in aluminium

Assuming you do want to stay in the house and not do it again later, I'd definitely replace timber rather than repair it. Assuming they're fairly old, you might want to take the opportunity to clean off the old layers of paint and give them a fresh coat while you're at it.

Personally I like the idea of just moving - might be less work

[Gino]

Hi Mick.

While it would pay to consult an expert, i can tell you my experience with something similar.
I wouldn't replace the rotten bit with another piece of wood even if it is the same speices as I tried this at my mother inlaws balcony which was made of oregon and while it looked quite good at first, in a very short space of time due to moisture levels it expanded diferently to the original timber and it now looks like an add on.
At my previous home I repaird the timber by first gouging out the rot then I took a blow torch and burnt away what ever Fungus growth which may have remained as if you don't get it all out is is like cancer as it will grow back. (Naturaly you do this at your own risk)
I would then wet the area with Bleach as this kills everything. once dry fill it up with some sort of water resistant filler.
If anybody cares to differ re the above please say so.

regards

Gino

[Gino]

I forgot to mention my farther used to repair the rot but it always came back, probably due to the fact that he never removed all the rot. Though I suspect that it will come back in time due to it seaping in on the edge of the filler.
In the end dad replaced the windows with what Darry suggested.

Gino

[Robert WA]

There is an article in Workbench magazine, April 2002 #270 at page 62 relating to the repair of timber window sills and frames. It shows someone using a product called Minwax, firstly a hardener to penetrate the damaged wood and harden it and then a two part filler to repair the damage.
Try www.WorkbenchMagazine.com to see if you can find the article.
I have never seen the product for sale in Oz but, according to the magazine, it has a net site, minwax.com .