Wood Repair ???

[slonezp]

We have a summer home which needs windows badly but don't have the funds right now. Some of the windows have a good anount of rot. My plan is to repair the rot and paint to get thru the winter and worry about replacing them in the spring. We've gutted and remodeled the entire house and I'm worried about water/snow melt causing damage on the interior walls of the home. I've searched online and it looks like this http://bondo.com/products/household/bondo-wood-filler-20082.html will accomplish what I need. Anyone use this product, have suggestions for another product or another way to go abour repairs?

Thanks

[Bassn Blvd]

1. Nail plywood over window

2. Caulk around edges

3. Leave, go fishing

4. Return after winter and replace windows.

[The Rooster]

I vote the same as above. Bondo would be something I'd put the time into for a more long term repair but I'd never use it on a house anyway. Anywhere you have to fill in with that I'd just use caulk instead since its easier and plan on replacing the bad wood when funds are available. I run my own home improvements company as a full time job. When we do windows we always trim the outside wood moldings with aluminum cap metal to protect from rot, eliminate the need for painting, and then seal the edges with silicone caulk. This makes it watertight. Vinyl replacement windows would be a good solution here, and cap the trim with metal. You might have to hire that part done since it requires a metal brake for bending the aluminum and knowledge of what to do there, how to cut it, how to allow for tolerances when bending the metal so it fits snug but not too tight, or loose. Or, Lowe's sells vinyl trim you could use instead. Installs and cuts like wood, but rot proof and needs no painting ever.

[tomustang]

http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/rotrepair.htm

Personally, I just replace rotted wood

[slonezp]

http://www.factsfact...r/rotrepair.htm

Personally, I just replace rotted wood

Problem is, it's not the sil thats rotted. It's the window frame. As far as boarding up the windows,I'd be worried about squatters thinking the house is abandond. The house is in a somewhat heaviiy trafficed area in Wisconsin Dells 100ft from the river. We've always tried to make sure it looks like someone is living in the house, but still have to ocassionaly pick up beer bottles in the front yard during the "season" Also don't want any of the local ne'er-do-wells thinking it's abandonded.

[tomustang]

since you said funds are an issue, the redneck method I've seen before is covering the area with duct tape and well at least you can get it in different colors

[retiredbosn]

Rot is a chemical reaction, basically oxidation of wood. I know u can't replace them yet, the longer you wait the more likely the rot will infect other areas, especially the wall framing. Injecting the wood with bondo or glues will not stop the rot from progressing. U could always cover the windows with plexi to provide protection and still have the house appear occupied

[The Rooster]

If you plan to put in vinyl replacement windows in the spring then you should know they are generally measured to fit into the old window frames. All you do is remove the old sashes and inside center stops (narrow wood strips separating the sashes). You leave the exterior stops in place, and also reuse or replace the interior stops that serve as trim into the frame to the sash (now the new vinyl frame). What you do now to repair the rotted frame will affect that job in the spring. You will need to shape it like the old wood if you can or it will be some harder later to fit a new window in. You may just have to do some woodwork at that time.

Exactly how rotted is it?? Is it just a spot or two or is it one whole side?? Sometimes if its not too bad, it can be metal capped, caulked, and forgotten. If it's wet feeling then it will have to be dried out before covering. Get it dry, keep it dry, and further damage won't happen.

[slonezp]

If things go as planned I will have new windows, gutters, and siding in the spring.. If not well...If I had 15-20k I'd do it right now it'd be done. Been working on the house weekends for the last 5 years. Gutted to the studs. All new electric, plumbing, hvac, floors, insulation, drywall,roof appliances and what have you. Just looking for a cheap fix til spring.

Sils are decent. window frames are rotted on about 1/2 the windows. All on the bottom right corner. House never had gutters which has promoted the window and siding rot..

[retiredbosn]

Since u tore it out to the studs you should have an idea how bad the rot is spreading if any. If not spreading and you are reasonably sure there will be no water intrusion to the house, I would just leave it till spring. If you are worried about water intrusion I would cover the windows with plexiglass, provides protection without boarding up the house. Imo bondo and glue are just not worth the money and time.