External timber features such as windows, fascias, and bargeboards are constantly exposed to the elements. As the days get longer and the weather improves, spring is an ideal time to check how your external joinery has coped over the winter months and to plan any necessary maintenance.
To keep timberwork in good condition, regular inspection and redecoration are essential. As a general guide, most external woodwork should be repainted every five years. Areas that face south or south-west often need attention sooner, as they are more exposed to strong sunlight and driving rain.
If paintwork is peeling, cracked, or flaking, this can be a sign that moisture has penetrated the timber beneath. Left untreated, this can lead to wet rot, a form of decay caused by fungi that thrive in damp conditions. External joinery that is repeatedly exposed to moisture is particularly at risk if maintenance has been neglected.
Small areas of decay can often be repaired using a suitable wood hardener. More acute damage will usually require the affected timber to be cut back to sound wood before being repaired with hardener and filler. Where decay is extensive, full replacement of the timber may be the only solution. Any new timber should always be treated with a preservative before installation.
It is also important to check for gaps or holes around eaves and roof edges, as these can allow birds, insects, or other pests to enter the roof space. These openings should be sealed as part of any repair work.
In older properties, peeling paint may contain lead. This can be hazardous, particularly to children and pregnant women, and should be removed carefully using appropriate safety measures.
Before repainting, all timber surfaces must be properly prepared. This includes sanding back old paint and creating a smooth, clean surface. A durable exterior paint system should then be applied, typically consisting of two undercoats followed by a suitable exterior gloss or topcoat.
Regular maintenance of external joinery not only improves the appearance of your home but also helps prevent costly repairs in the future.