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Step by Step Guide to Restoring, Repairing, Resealing and Repainting Ratinel Windows 

 

STEP 1:  Full Investigation to see exactly what a repair will need to your Rationel Window. Including: Deciding what sections to remove and what to leave. Any Rationel Windows that you have been identified as needing repair i.e. You can see or feel the timber has started to rot this is usually at the joint of the corner joint of the bottom rail and the stile at the meeting end point of the metal dip bar.

 A good examination around with a screwdriver will give a reasonable indication of the extent of any rot problems that could be hidden under multiple layers of paint. Depending upon the level which the screwdriver goes in will give you a much better idea of what is the amount of rot that needs to be repaired.

 

STEP 2: Fill in any voids that that have being removed by taking out the rotten timber in Rationel windows. Firstly, make sure to use Wood Harder. I use Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener has been designed to soak into the fibres of rotten wood. Once dry, the special resins harden, strengthening and reinforcing the softened wood, forming a good solid base for filling, as well as sealing against further moisture penetration. The either fill the timber with epoxy wood filler or by splicing in new timber. By using epoxy wood filler, you can easily sand and mould the filling area back to the profile of the Rationel window.

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STEP 3: Replacing the Seals: Overtime the seals in Rationel windows stop to crack and peel on the bottoms of the lengths. This is the first signs that your Rationel window glazing seals need to be replaced. The seals can be purchased directly from Rationel. The best guide is to use the old seals as your template to replace with the new ones. Make sure to replace the top and bottom seals first before replacing the side seals this way you can best guarantee water tightness.

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STEP 4: Current I use a product called “ALL PRIME” from Ralston. Exterior and interior, as a primary and precoat resp. an adherent primer for wood, aluminium, stony surfaces, synthetics (hard pvc) and galvanized steel. Can be applied over the existing traditional paintwork after first thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface. As a primary coat for the Ralston Aqua and Solvent paints.

The benefits of all Ralston All Prime are it behaves like an old school linseed oil paint

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• It sinks well into the timber thus nourishing and hardening the wood surface.

• Its 100% breathable “microporous” so moisture in the wood can always dry out.

• It is easy to work with and easy to clean up because it is water based.

• It does not crack or peel

• It can be rejuvenated after a few years with a topcoat of Ralston Gloss or Satin.

• And it is 100% bio environmentally friendly

 

STEP 5: Cleaning includes removing all old paint stains from the locking bars and locking ports as well as handles and glass dip bar. This is best done by using paint remover, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes and then coming back and carefully removing all old paint. Once this done use a small artistic brush to reapply any paint in hard to reach arears such as around the locking ports. Once this is done it is best to paint the surrounds and windows sill with a fresh coat of masonry paint with a bonding agent like EB. E-B (Emulsa-Bond) Owatrol E-B is a high penetrating, stir-in paint additive for use in water-based masonry or interior paints. It will help alleviate peeling problems on all porous surfaces. Owatrol E-B is especially suitable for unstable, chalky and powdery surfaces, crumbling brickwork or render.  That is our complete guide to restoring , resealing and repainting Rationel Windows.