If you need new windows in your rustic or old-fashioned home, then the logical choice may be to add wood windows. Wooden windows do have the benefit of offering the best insulation to your home, but the material also can succumb to water damage over time. This can cause rotting concerns and the need for new windows. If you want to prevent this sort of issue, then keep reading to find out how you can keep rot at bay.

Fill In Cracks

Wood that is exposed to the environment will absorb water, whether you want it to or not. Fortunately, the vast majority of wood window frames are treated with polyurethane sealers to keep moisture from causing a rotting issue. However, small cracks can form in the wood that expose the untreated interior portions of the window frame. These cracks develop for a variety of reasons. They appear as the wooden frame contracts and constricts with the weather changes. You should fill these holes in as soon as possible.

The best time to look for cracks in the wood is at the start of each season when temperatures have changed. Most importantly, you want to investigate right after the winter weather subsides and right at the start of fall. If you notice any cracks in the wood, then use a soft-bristled scrub brush to clean the cracks. Purchase a container of resin epoxy filler. Mix the epoxy according to the directions and place the material in the crack. Allow the material to cure afterwards. 

Apply New Sealer

Depending on the type of windows you have and the way they are protected from the weather, you will either need to add a layer of waterproof sealer to the frame or paint. Windows should be updated with new paints and sealers about every two to five years. Begin by inspecting the caulk around the exterior of the window. If it is damaged, old, or pulling away from the window, then use a razor-blade to remove it and add a new layer of caulk.

Afterwards, clean the window with soap and water. If a waterproof sealer is noticed on the window, then buy some outdoor, polyurethane wood sealer. Deck sealers are often a good choice for windows, so look for these products. Use a brush to add a thick layer of the sealer. You want to wait for the first coat to dry completely before adding the next one. Depending on the weather, it can take two full days for this. Add a second coat once the first one dries.

If your wooden windows are covered in paint instead of a sealer, then you should purchase a primer as well as an oil-based paint to refresh the windows. Use a scraper to remove old paint and also lightly sand the window to remove as much old paint as possible. Use a brush to add two to three coats of primer to protect the wood as much as possible. Apply two coats of your paint afterwards, waiting for the paint to dry in between coats. 

For more information and help with maintaining your windows, contact a window installation and repair company in your area.