When your homes exterior is starting to show signs of age the prospect of rejuvenation and restoration may seem overwhelming. It is a lot of work to strip and repaint timber window frames and hiring a contractor to complete this on an average sized house is an expensive process. How does the prospect of replacement stack up to the task of restoration and what are the benefits of each path?
How Feasible is Restoration?
Timber window frames have been around for centuries and good quality designs will last for years without a fuss. When they are in need of sprucing up though, tired and worn window frames can make your entire house look unattractive. In order to clean up the appearance of peeling and chipped paint your frames need to be stripped of the existing finish and repainted.
A quick job where the frames are simply repainted without any prep work may seem easier. But unfortunately that type of work will only last for a short time. Without a clean surface to adhere to, the new paint or finish will flake off and peel much quicker, resulting in an ugly exterior finish again.
Refinishing timber window frames is a painstakingly slow process that involves protecting the glazing and exterior siding, as well as setting up the proper safety equipment. It should be handled by a professional, especially if the windows are on the second floor or higher. Once the frames have been scraped or stripped and fully cleaned the new paint or stain can be applied. The process takes more than one day and will require a fair amount of materials and time.
Is Replacement a Better Plan?
Aged and deteriorated window frames can be replaced with new frames in the latest low maintenance materials. Powder vinyl clad timber frames and uPVC are both popular due to their highly weather resistant and rot free design. You can opt for a composite product that presents an attractive timber frame on the interior of your home with the vinyl portion adding strength and protection on the outside. Or maybe a full uPVC frame is more to your liking with air chambers inside for energy efficiency and added stability.
Before you spend the time and money to restore your window frames it is wise to at least price out a window replacement. If the glazing on your windows is single paned or doesnt provide the level of energy efficiency you desire, an upgrade can deliver multiple benefits and will be well worth it in the end.
How Feasible is Restoration?
Timber window frames have been around for centuries and good quality designs will last for years without a fuss. When they are in need of sprucing up though, tired and worn window frames can make your entire house look unattractive. In order to clean up the appearance of peeling and chipped paint your frames need to be stripped of the existing finish and repainted.
A quick job where the frames are simply repainted without any prep work may seem easier. But unfortunately that type of work will only last for a short time. Without a clean surface to adhere to, the new paint or finish will flake off and peel much quicker, resulting in an ugly exterior finish again.
Refinishing timber window frames is a painstakingly slow process that involves protecting the glazing and exterior siding, as well as setting up the proper safety equipment. It should be handled by a professional, especially if the windows are on the second floor or higher. Once the frames have been scraped or stripped and fully cleaned the new paint or stain can be applied. The process takes more than one day and will require a fair amount of materials and time.
Is Replacement a Better Plan?
Aged and deteriorated window frames can be replaced with new frames in the latest low maintenance materials. Powder vinyl clad timber frames and uPVC are both popular due to their highly weather resistant and rot free design. You can opt for a composite product that presents an attractive timber frame on the interior of your home with the vinyl portion adding strength and protection on the outside. Or maybe a full uPVC frame is more to your liking with air chambers inside for energy efficiency and added stability.
Before you spend the time and money to restore your window frames it is wise to at least price out a window replacement. If the glazing on your windows is single paned or doesnt provide the level of energy efficiency you desire, an upgrade can deliver multiple benefits and will be well worth it in the end.
Source...