How Do You Fix A Swollen Wooden Window Sill?
How Do You Fix A Swollen Wooden Window Sill?
When wood is exposed to water, it swells. To repair swollen wood, sand down the affected areas first. First, use a power sander with a grit of 100 to 200 sandpaper.
This should help to flatten the swollen area. Afterward, sand it down with normal hand-held sandpaper using a grit of 400 to 600. This will smooth the area down and remove any scratches from the power sander.
- Sand Down The Area:
Sand down the area that is swollen using a power sander with a grit of 100 to 200 sandpaper. Use 100 for softwoods such as pine and 300 for hardwoods such as oak. Afterward, smooth out the area with 400-grade to 600-grade sandpaper until you are able to get rid of all scratches that may have been left behind by the power sander.
- Fix The Wood:
Fix the area with a wood filler. This will fill in the spaces between uneven wooden boards and use a filler that flows easily without cracking or breaking.
- Sand Down To The Original Finish:
Sand down over the area of damaged wood to the original finish using 400-grade to 600-grade sandpaper until you are able to get rid of all scratches from the power sander.
When sanding, do not sand over any hidden nails which may be under the damaged wood surface. Be sure to apply wood filler evenly on both sides of any damaged boards so they will be joined together properly.
- Reglue And Re-nail:
After sanding down the area where you have filled and sanded, reglue it back together and re-nail it.
- Apply A Waterproof Sealer:
This will keep moisture out of the wood so it won’t swell again and will allow you to apply a clear finish to your wood project. You can purchase glue, waterproof sealant, or waterproof spray at most hardware stores or home improvement stores.
- Cut Out The Damaged Area:
Cut out the area that is damaged using a miter saw or other power tool of choice.
- Reinstall The Sill:
Reinstall the wooden window sill above your window frame and into place. Make sure when you install it to put a small gap between the sill and the glass. This will help let moisture out of your home as well as keep it from coming in during wet seasons.
Once you have installed the window sill, apply a clear finishing coat on top of it so it will stay waterproofed and protected from water damage or rot. You can also use an exterior-grade paint or stain to waterproof and preserve your wood projects like this one.
- Use A Finishing Powder:
If you are applying a clear finish on top of your wood, use a finishing powder to help protect it from the weather and prevent future cracking or damage. You can purchase finishing powders at most hardware or home improvement stores.
- Care For Your Sill:
After installing any wooden window projects, always make sure to give the wood a good cleaning and dust it off after every time you use it.
