skip to main content

Home Repair Design Dilemma

water damage from window a/c units

Kathleen Marineau

4 years ago

Recently got whole house a/c, now I want to repaint window sills/stools but wood has gotten wet and has some holes, possibly rotted sections.

Can I patch or do I have to replace the wood?

Most of the paint peeled off in strips or sheets. We haven't painted the window trim in this room since we bought the house in 2013. The wood is dry now and the vinyl window was replaced 3 months ago, so I'm pretty sure it is thoroughly dry.

Featured Answer

tatts

4 years ago

Yes, there are products that will solidify wood that's punky. And when you're done, you may need some wood filler to fill the holes. It's okay for trim, but not structural, obviously. Windowsills are fine. I don't remember what I used, but it was like a thinned Elmers glue--white and painted on. Ask This Old House used it on an exterior window sill, as did I. I sanded it and primed and painted and I just checked it, and it still looks perfect after 5 years exposed to Philly seasons.

Comments (11)

ci_lantro
4 years ago
There are some epoxy systems like 'End Rot' but it appears that wood is in really bad shape. I would replace rather than try to repair.
Kathleen Marineau thanked ci_lantro
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
4 years ago
https://www.amazon.com/Abatron-WR4QKRA-Wood-Restoration-Kit/dp/B0084PQJ12/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6oHAwIqf5AIVigOGCh0z1ghTEAAYASAAEgLzo_D_BwE&hvadid=241929249324&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9011283&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16292999201620741332&hvtargid=kwd-20619661172&hydadcr=24657_10400629&keywords=abatron+wood+epoxy&qid=1566772537&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Abatron wood epoxy is the gold standard here. Even though it’s pricey it’s probably cheaper / easier than replacement.
Related Discussions
Improved A/C - Even for Window units Simple addition.
Q
Comments (4)
It sounds great in theory, but probably wouldn't work very well, especially in some type of automatic system. Several problems come to mind. First of all is the material, itself. Calcium Chloride is a fine dessicant. Removes a lot of water, but in doing so, turns into a slurry. It would have to be heated quite heavily to be returned to a usable state. Silica Gel (those annoying little packets in packages of medicines) aDsorbs moisture, but needs a large surface area, as opposed to depth, to be effective. Since this 'unit' would have to be installed inside, in a domestic system, it would have to be installed upstream of the air handler; not a very good source of heat. The discharge air would already have its dew point lowered, so not much benefit in having it there. Also, whereas an a/c depends on heat exchange to remove humidity, a dessicant depends on prolonged contact to remove water. The velocity of airflow in a typical system would preclude that. There is also the potential for static pressure issues. Just my opinion. Do you have a link to your information? V
...See More
will window unit damage central unit
Q
Comments (5)
I can't see why you could not have a window AC unit operating in the house which also had central AC system. I would classify this as an old wive's tale and a possible candidate for myth busters.
...See More
Wiring for Window A/C Heat Units
Q
Comments (9)
If the thru the wall unit is rated for 20A, then yes, use the existing 12/2 wire for 240V. Simply take out the 1 pole breaker and replace it with a 2 Pole breaker, making sure the new double breaker is attached to different legs in the panel. If you don't know how to do this, check a wiring book. Then attach the black wire to one breaker of the pair, and the white wire to the other breaker. Place some black electrical tape on the white wire at the panel and the new unit. If the new unit is 15A, then use a 2 Pole 15A breaker. If the new unit is rated at 25A or more, you will need to rewire as well as bigger breakers, assuming you now have 12/2.
...See More
How do I repair water damage on Maple cabinets, vanity and window
Q
Comments (3)
You should be able to lightly sand the raised wood, and coat with finish. I would try this in an area that may not be too noticable first. Finish if applied properly should last for many many years. Water on the finish should have no effect. I use a catalyzed Varnish and part of the test is 30 days wet in a bell jar with no effect. Lacquer is softer and will allow water to penetrate the finish, this is what causes the white ring when a glass is left on a piece of furniture. The water will evaporate but the minerals left behind form the ring. Kitchen cabinets typically are coated with a Catalyzed finish of some type as it is much more reistant to water. Were these cabinets finished on the job ? You can also take a drawer head and sand and recover the inside to make sure the new finish is compatable with the existing finish, that way if there is a problem it will not show. Good Luck !
...See More
branson4020
4 years ago
Its really hard to tell from the pictures. You need to scrape the paint off, then dig around any suspect areas with a screwdriver or knife blade to see how much rot is really present.
Kathleen Marineau thanked branson4020
Kathleen Marineau
Original Author
4 years ago
branson4020: On the far right of the first photo and at the 2 gaps in the silicone are, my blade sunk deep. The window frame itself looked solid when the window was replaced. It barely goes in along the linear cracks, but I didn't press too hard.

It's not like this is a high dollar house; we just need things to work right and be clean.
chiflipper
4 years ago
https://www.thearchitectsguide.com/articles/best-moisture-meter

Seek out a home inspector who has this device and negotiate a reasonable fee for this service.
Kathleen Marineau thanked chiflipper
graywings123
4 years ago
I have repaired wooden window sills that look a lot worse than yours. I use the Abatron products - LiquidWood and WoodEpox. Abatron

FYI: There is a fair amount of work involved in this. The Old House forum has lots of discussions on repairing wood.
Kathleen Marineau thanked graywings123
Kathleen Marineau
Original Author
4 years ago
I spent a bit of time on TOH this morning. Will read more.
ci_lantro
4 years ago
As mentioned, using the epoxy systems is quite a lot more work than you would think. Multiple steps are involved.

If those were my windows, I would replace them, probably using a Corian-like acrylic product like this one from Home Depot:

Siltech Windowsill

Going the Siltech route will be much faster and cleaner and you'll have a near bulletproof result.

If you opt to replace and use wood, be sure to back prime all of the replacement wood. That is, prime all sides, ends, edges of the wood before installing.
Kathleen Marineau thanked ci_lantro
Kathleen Marineau
Original Author
4 years ago
I wonder how the Siltech sills would work with casing moulding. Can it be cut by a homeowner, or would it require a specialty power blade?
ci_lantro
4 years ago
I've not worked with it but, yes, it is easily DIYable. Basically, the stuff is generic Corian and can be worked w/ woodworking tools.

As far as integrating it into existing molding, I'm sure it can be done but the close-up pix don't provide info for anyone to be able to suggest how.
Kathleen Marineau thanked ci_lantro

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

HOUSEKEEPING Protect Your House From Winter Water Damage

By Buckminster Green LLC

Avoid costly repairs by learning to spot potential problem areas before water damage is done

BATHROOM DESIGN Water Damage Spawns a Space-Saving Bathroom Remodel

By Mitchell Parker

A game of inches saved this small New York City bathroom from becoming too cramped and limited

HEALTHY HOME How to Keep Water Vapor From Ruining Your House and Your Health

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

We help you find out when it’s happening, what it means and how to fix it

HOME TECH How to Rescue Your Water-Damaged Photos

By CEO/Founder The Photo Managers

Learn the tools you need and the steps to take to save photos that have been damaged by exposure to water

HOUSEKEEPING How to Remove Water Rings From Wood Tables

By Bonnie McCarthy

You may be surprised by some of these ideas for removing cloudy white water marks from wood surfaces

PETS Protecting Your Pet From Your Yard and Your Yard From Your Pet

By Gwendolyn Purdom

Check out these tricks from vets and landscape designers for keeping your pets and plantings safe in the backyard

FEEL-GOOD HOME Feel-Good Home: Water, Water, Everywhere

By Jess McBride

You can mindfully introduce water features into your landscape no matter the size of your yard

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Keep Your Big Windows — and Save Birds Too

Reduce bird strikes on windows with everything from architectural solutions to a new high-tech glass from Germany

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Modern Houseboat in Vancouver, B.C.

By Vanessa Brunner

Get small-space design ideas from a modern dream home afloat on the harbor

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Silica dust fears

1

Pocket Door - Strike Plate Necessary?

9

HELP - Awkward & Small bathroom

10

Bluestar range will not let gas flow to cooktop

1

Does anyone know what window manufacturer this in from?

3