How to Repair a Rotted Window Frame

In this video, home renovation brothers Dave and Rich show you how to repair a rotted window frame.
Repairing a rotted window frame can save hundreds of dollars and can be accomplished with just a few simple tools. Knowing how to fix a window frame can lessen the complications that can result from having to replace a window, to say nothing of the costs associated with window replacement. The window in this video is an aluminum clad wood window. This window frame repair was due to water damage and wood decay and wood dry rot.
To repair the window, the aluminum frame was detached from the rotted wood. Then a replacement piece of wood was cut and glued in place. Fixing a window with dry rot or water damage can add years to the life of the window as well as eliminate the need to throw the window in a landfill.
The tools needed to fix the window frame can be as simple as a cross cut saw, a back cut saw, a chisel, hammer and a tape measure.
A table saw, router, or multi-tool could greatly speed up the repair.

Hope this helps!

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IRWIN Level, I-Beam, 72-Inch (1801096) , Blue

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Amazon Basics Soft Grip Retractable Utility Knife with 3 Blades

DEWALT Miter Saw, Single Bevel, Compound, 10-Inch, 15-Amp (DWS713)

The Original Duck Tape Brand 394475 Duct Tape, 1-Pack 1.88 Inch x 60 Yard Silver

IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz. (1954889)

DEWALT Line Laser, Self-Leveling, Cross Line, Red Beam (DW088K)

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[conniejones]

Thank you so much! I knew there had to be a way other than window replacement. This will save me thousands!

[-ShootTheGlass-]

This helped a lot, thank you for sharing. 👍

[Stevesbe]

The table saw really makes fixing this easy

[sl]

What I like about your video is how you improvised. Because that is what really happens. All these other videos are too perfect. No one makes mistakes, no one adjusts on the fly. Nicely done.

[ChloeSparkles]

I've watched so many videos and this is the first time I'm able to see something that I'm actually looking for thank you thank you thank you

[MariJani]

Wow I like what you did. I have the same issue on a very similar window. You motivated me to try it even more. Seems a little hard since I never done a project like this. Thank you great video.

[TippyPuddles]

I never thought of using a saw to cut a grove. Thanks for that tip. I want to get saw table but not in the budget right now. I am fixing a basement window that has rotted out at the bottom.

[Rocky-xxzg]

Similiar rotted situation with our Pella Circle Top Double Hung. The Bottom Rail of the Upper sash is completely rotted. Pella said the age of the window (1994) has no replacement sash to supply. They stopped manufacturing this type . Replacement Pella is $2, 000 plus another $2, 000 for a carpenter to install the window and repalce all the Cedar Clapboards. Thank You Pella. They new about this defect and did not notify the customers.

[lindawhitehead]

wow I like what you did, thank you much

[conkal]

Thank you, I have the same problem with a couple of my casement windows.

[edwardreiller]

What kind of glue did you use to attach the aluminum cladding onto the new board?

[themadhatter]

Thanks for the video. I lost my dad last year so I can't turn to him for carpentry advice anymore.

[emgoodlife]

What products do you use? For the wood to glass? Wood to wood? Wood to aluminum?

[emgoodlife]

Any ideas how the water got in? What do I need to seal up to keep this from happening again?

[privatear]

Hey Guys! Great video, and pretty timely. Was looking for something on how to repair the frame and all I could find with a google search was how to repair a window SILL, which wasn't what I need to repair... yet. I have a 42" X 24" swing-out-at-the-bottom window and the bottom wood is gone, so the window won't even close properly.

I was wondering what type of wood you used, what sealer you used, what glue (or was it epoxy) and did you use a silicone to stick the window to the new part when you put it back on. I'm not entirely sure where you used the glue.... I have lots of projects like this. I'd appreciate any clarification you could give. Thanks.

Anyway, great video. Look forward to hearing from you. All the best! Thanks again.

[kevinwilliams]

Do you have to match the type of wood, ie hardwood vs pine? How do I tell what the original was made from? lol. Mine is an "Anderson" window. At 7:50 you indicate your using seeder, so I will get some of that.

[IADHDD]

I have the same exact window (Pella) that I need to change the same exact piece on 4 windows. Will work on it tomorrow

[sharlottlather]

How did you get the Winslow frame out to begin with?

[jimmyfortrue]

5:55 great video but encourage your kids never to cut towards yourself... ie your left wrist.
PS... Great job with only hand tools.... You show it can be done.

[swizzleproxi]

Took longer than expected but good job.