How to prevent exposure to elements?

Question

I have begun to repair the rotted wood on sills, etc. before getting replacement windows. At present, I have large gaps waiting to be filled or repaired. I live in the north east. The cold air outside creates condensation which accumulates at the inside corner window and travels outward to the gaping hole where I had just scraped out rotted wood. I have been advised not to fill and prime until the weather is warmer. Is there a way to prevent these newly scraped gaps from exposure to cold and rain and to prevent condensation collecting until I have the windows replaced? (could be a few months) If not, moisture which will surely add to my rot problem. Will I have to start the sill repairs over again?

RicodJour · Accepted Answer

I would have to see a picture of the situation to tell for sure, but why don't you fill the gaps with something that doesn't mind a little moisture? Polyurethane glues, such as Gorilla Glue need moisture to cure. If the rotted section is more than just surface scrapings, cut back to good wood and glue in the patch. You're supposed to spritz a little water on one surface before gluing pieces together. As an added bonus the stuff foams up and expands to fill gaps. Depending on what you have to fill, it might be enough by itself. Let it expand and cut it back to where you want it.

R

Frank · Answer

I've cut out several exterior sills and just replaced with cut to fitpressure treated wood, caulked and painted.Usually when wood is rotted, it is rotted throughout.I'm not replacing windows.  These sill repairs are permanent.

cm · Answer

Post tension will only minmize cracking and other problems. I have a freind with a post tension house and mine is not. His house is built on the same farm land as mine. He has had much more drywall cracking and door movement than mine. You are better off fixing the drywall and adjusting the doors.

Criag

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How to prevent exposure to elements?

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