Restoring Damaged Wood: A Specialized Technique
How Wood Damage Occurs
Our harsh New England winters are filled with wind, rain, and snow. Over time these elements will slowly damage exterior woodwork of any kind. Both old and new wooden surfaces that are insufficiently sealed or painted, and windows that are defective or improperly installed all leave wood exposed to moisture. Eventually the moisture permeates the wood, leading to rot and a “crumbly” texture. If left untreated this rot will spread. The rot in a windowsill or sash, for example, will spread to surrounding clapboards. This affects not only the beauty of your property, but also compromises the integrity of its internal structure. The value of your property can dramatically decrease.
Repairing Damaged Wood
It is possible to repair rather than replace rotted wood. In instances where historic integrity and cost are priorities, this is good news!
I have developed a technique to permanently repair damaged wood. Using a mixture of waterproof marine epoxies I fill the rotted areas, creating a completely restored, waterproof surface. The wood becomes virtually impermeable to moisture. When painted or stained, the difference between the repaired surface and undamaged areas is imperceptible. The restored surface is almost better than brand new.
Historic Restoration
Andover Congregational Church
Show here are restored windows for the Congregational Church of Andover, NH, circa 1848. The windows were removed from the building and brought to my workshop where the rot was repaired, frames painted, and individual panes replaced with reproduction glass.
