How can I effectively seal my window trim and porch before winter without replacing the windows until next spring?
Asked by Kerim Çankaya 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 1, 2024
What’s the best way to seal up this window trim and porch before winter hits? I don’t have the time or funds to replace the windows now, but I’m thinking about doing that next spring. I do want to replace the really rotten vertical boards. My biggest worry is the large, thick ones at the bottom of the windows and porch that would need to be custom milled.
If you’re looking to avoid replacing the wood, this product is the way to go.
If it’s not decayed, just wrap it in aluminum foil.
Check out epoxy wood repair, it should do the trick without a major project.
Dig out all the decay, then rebuild using System Three, and finish off by sealing, priming, and painting with a high-quality exterior paint
Consider using Bondo, then prime and paint; it should last for a bit if you’re trying to save money
Rewrap the coil stock
Some people don’t have a metal brake to bend it
You can actually rent them at home improvement stores
Haha not everyone owns a truck or has the strength or know-how to use one
Also, whoever worked on yours did a sloppy job. Haha, the correct way is to fold the edges up on a sill piece at the front and inside… although I guess silicone works as a quick fix.
Take out a piece of the wood and put in new wood
Using Fiberglass and West System Epoxy.
There are a variety of wood hardening options available. The process involves applying the hardening material and using a putty-like epoxy such as bondo to rebuild. It takes time to shape it to match but it’s achievable.
We got some PC Woody products off Amazon and found really useful instructional videos on YouTube!
I have used this product before for a similar fix.
TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood Sealer Stabilizer for Rot Repair and Restoration (Quart, Traditional) https://a.co/d/62TBm0Q
I think this is totally what he’s searching for, .
Hey, , we like to use it for fixing up the wood trim on older houses!
The windows appear to be in good condition. However, the trim looks deteriorated and should be swapped out. If you’re unable to do that, consider using epoxy as a temporary solution. But keep in mind that it might take just as long as replacing the wood. If time is an issue, you can apply a thick outdoor paint as a temporary fix until you can address it properly. Allowing it to go through another winter shouldn’t cause significantly more damage than what’s already there. Avoid just covering it with metal, as it will only mask a more serious issue that will become a major problem down the line.
No adhesive will stick to decaying wood. It’s like trying to paint a sponge. The best solution is to replace it. The windows seem to be in good condition.
If you’re thinking of replacing that old window trim in the spring, another winter shouldn’t make much of a difference. Skip the expensive temporary solutions and just use caulk to seal any gaps for now.
Justin and Iris had their house constructed in 1930. I’m thinking about swapping out the vertical planks on the windows. The wood that spans across the bottom will require milling, in my opinion.
The bottom part is the sill, usually made of a 2×6, notched to fit the opening, might need some cutting with a table saw or circular saw. If it were my place and I was replacing in the spring, I wouldn’t use wood filler or epoxy, they’re good for permanent fixes but not temporary ones. Just caulk it for now.
Copied, thanks. All the woodwork in this house looks rough-cut, probably from the old mill in town.
I redid 12 window sills similar to this at my place a few years back. Surprisingly simple. The initial one is the toughest. Took around an hour, excluding painting. The others only took about 20 minutes each. There are a couple YouTube tutorials on this. Basically remove the old sill and trace it onto a new 2×6. For the sides, they have matching pvc trim that I used to prevent rot. I’ll find a tutorial link to share.
Check out this video, : https://youtu.be/x8iu9dLrV-E?si=vpct2fXPy5moadCD
Duct tape is getting the job done for me! Haha. Just need some money to replace it.
Perhaps you could try this: Trim and shape the soft wood on the lower sides of the window using a multitool. It’s affordable at harbor freight. Cut a piece of replacement wood and securely fasten it in place if the adjacent or behind wood is in good condition. Apply plastic wood putty at the joints, sand it down, and then paint over it. Consider caulking if it will be exposed to the elements for more than just the winter months. This project might take a couple of hours if the rot is only on the bottom sides. It becomes more challenging if the rot is closer to the glass or extends across the bottom of the window. For the porch, make sure to scrape off any old paint, prime the surface, and then use exterior enamel for painting if the wood is still solid. If the supporting pillar is soft, it might need a temporary brace until it is replaced. Keep in mind that these are just my personal thoughts and not professional advice.
Seal with caulk and then give it a fresh coat of paint!
Knock off the fragile parts and apply Plastic wood filler.
Have you considered using an insert to block out the cold air? I heard it’s a great option available to low-income residents in NH, although I’m not sure about the manufacturer.
Have you considered using Flex Seal?
You could try stapling Tyvex to it and starting fresh in the spring.
I once had a window that looked like this. I removed all the paint, applied Minwax wood hardener, used a two-part wood filler, and sanded it smooth. It’s been years and it’s still holding up well. I finished it off with a coat of oil primer and paint. It’s not perfect but it gets the job done for now.