Introduction

In most instances the repair can be carried out in situ. Large Victorian box sash windows often have to be removed for a repair which is carried out in a workshop using traditional carpentry techniques. It will be seen from the following that the correct use of modern epoxies may obviate the necessity for their expensive removal.

First evaluate the damage and decide upon the method of repair, which may be one or a combination of the following principal types:-

1. Removal of the component or section and replace with timber.

2. Partial removal of the component; replacement with a timber using a gap filling epoxy adhesive at the interface between the new timber and the irregular shape of the existing section.

3. Re-profiling of a decay removal area with woodworking tool workable epoxy mortar.

Repair Method

1. Survey the frame in order to decide upon the principal method(s) of repair.

2. Remove damaged sections and replace with timber, with or without epoxy gap filling adhesive. On large section replacements use epoxy/glass 5mm diameter shear connectors.

3. It is essential that all decay is removed back to sound wood, otherwise the effect of the repair may be nullified.

4. Consolidate any loose or friable (not decayed) timber fibres with consolidation resin.

5. Mix and place epoxy mortar and finish to a profile which allows for final finishing, shaping and sanding. This is essential where the original timber formed part of a moulding.

6. Shape and sand back to original profile.

7. Use Carpenter Kit techniques for boron preservation.

8. Install a weather protection system by either patch reinstating the original paint or treating the total unit with a new surface coating system.