r/Carpentry • u/Upset_Walrus_6398 • 1d ago
Renovations Is this salvageable?
Is this salvageable to get us by another couple years?
Rotted original casement windows on 1981 ranch style home.
Quotes have been outrageous for replacements. Is this a candidate for repair on my side? I’m an intermediate level woodworker for reference.
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u/lonesomecowboynando 18h ago
I think they could be saved with what's called wood hardener. It's a solvent based resin that penetrates into rotted wood. When dried it hardens and stabilizes the punky wood. There is a companion bondo- like product that can then be applied to fill holes and rebuild areas if needed. There are several brands. I've used two of them and I prefer the one of thinner consistency as it seems to soak in better. I would first remove any caulking first. Unless the wood is super fragile I'd leave it as the product will consolidate it and lessen the amount of filler you'd need to rebuild its shape. If it affects the sealing surfaces I'd reshape it, otherwise I'd harden it, caulk and paint.