Over the past several weeks, the water damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster of Baltimore have answered some of the home improvement questions we hear most often.This week we are going to tackle another home improvement nightmare: a Water Damaged Window Frame.
Water damage can be devastating and fairly unpredictable. You never know when it will happen. No one knows when a pipe may burst or when a window may begin to leak. Still, it is important not to panic when water damage does strike. With timely action and a little elbow grease, you can minimize the lasting effects of water damage.
Larger, more complex repairs; however, should be handled by a professional.
“How do I Repair a Water Damaged Window Frame?”
- Shut off Power: First and foremost, turn off power to the affected area.
- Fix the Issue: Next, address the underlying issue: the source of the damage. There is no point in fixing a water damaged window frame if you do not first fix the source of the damage. To fix the underlying issue, you may need to call in a professional.
- Water Removal: Next, you will need to remove any excess water. If water intrusion is minimal, you can most likely handle water removal yourself with a mop and bucket. If water intrusion is more extensive, you may need to enlist the help of a water damage specialist.
- Expose the Wall: Using a utility knife, carefully cut off the molding and use a hammer and chisel to remove the baseboard. Next, remove the rotting drywall. Remember, it is best to remove drywall in a shape that is easily replicable, like a square or rectangle.
- Remove Wet Insulation: Remove any wet insulation, a precursor to mold.
- Caulking: Apply a bead of caulk to the problem area outside. This will help prevent future water intrusion.
- Wood Filler: If areas of the frame are damaged or rotten, wood filler can be used to repair the damaged area. First, remove the rotten area with a chisel and then add the wood filler with a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry and then sand and paint.
- Extensive Damage: As we said earlier, more complex repairs should be handled by a professional.
- Replace Insulation and Drywall: Next, replace the wet insulation and seal the hole in the drywall. Cut the new drywall to fit the hole and nail to the studs. Then cover the edges with drywall tape and spackle. When the spackle is dry, sand until smooth.
- Replace Baseboard: This one is self-explanatory.
- Paint: Finally, paint the repaired area to match the rest of the wall. Enjoy!
We hope you have found these home improvement tips helpful. Continue to check back for new tips each and every week.
