Nothing is more frustrating than finding out that all the time and money spent on repainting your home has been for nothing when you discover that the windows and doors have begun to rot. Now begins the process of trying to salvage what is left of the frame components. But unfortunately this is not always feasible and replacement is the only option. These are a few of the common causes of rotting windows and doors.
Improperly Flashed or No Flashing: Without flashing, water can penetrate the joint above the window or door allowing moisture to contact what is unfinished wood.
Unit Not Level, Plumb, and Square: If sashes and door panels do not fit tightly and evenly to their frames they can allow water to penetrate the opening causing damage to unfinished wood.
Poorly Caulked: The caulk is either not applied correctly or the wrong type was used.
Window or Door Not Finished to Manufacturers Specifications: A minimum of 2 coats of high quality exterior paint in addition to a base primer should be used in order to prevent water from penetrating the raw wood.
Frame and Component Improperly Sealed During Manufacture: Wood windows and doors are rarely sealed where frame and components intersect allowing water into the end grain which begins the rotting process.
Inferior Frame Material: Most of today's wood products are made from softer wood (fast growth wood) making the finishing process a critical step in protecting the frame from rot.
Lack of Maintenance: Yearly inspection of wood framed doors and windows, paying attention to jamb and sill intersections, should be performed.
Even with great care and preventative maintenance these products have a relatively short lifespan and will need to be replaced.