[Shay]

Hi, We recently moved into our new home. We purchased our house as an estate sale, and it needs a lot of work. We need all new windows, but are not going to have the extra money to purchase them for about 6 months. A few of the window frames are rotting, and we know that water is getting in them damaging the drywall underneath. Is there a way we can temp. fix this until we have the windows replaced? We do not want anymore water to leak in because we just replaced the drywall in the bedrooms upstairs . Thank you for your help.

Shay

 

[Just Bill]

Caulk is the quickest method of stopping leaks, depending on how bad the rot is. It is cheap, and will do the job for a while. Siliconized latex works well.

 

[bjbatlanta]

Foam insulation can be used for large holes.....

 

[Ron6519]

The leaks get fixed first, then the damage caused by them. Otherwise, you're just chasing your tail.
The quickest way to take leaking windows out of the equation is to cover the exterior with plastic.
Ron

 

[Termite]

Bondo auto body filler is great for such repairs. Easy to work with, just mix a small amount at a time and use a plastic putty knife to put it in. You can paint over it the next day. As stated, anything you do is a band aid fix on a bleeding artery, but it sounds like your intent is to eventually replace the problem windows.

 

[Charlie G]

Dido on thw bondo. I've used it on several window repair projects.. Remember to closely monitor the bondo as it dries. Before it gets completely hard you can shape or plane it to an almost finished level. I use a sharp chisel or surform rasp. Your repair will definately outlast your old window.

 

[wrangler]

I agree with Ron. Since you are planning on replacing the windows in 6 months. just stop the damage in the cheapest, easiest way... staple some plastice over the affected windows until you get them replaced. Caulking on the inside wont hurt either. Just be careful doing the second story work.

 

[kreg McMahon]

yes bondo works well. minwax makes a wood filler bondo and a bottle of wood hardner. I recommend to put the wood hardner (a liquid) with a cheep brush all in the rotted hole area let it dry for 2 hours then use the bondo several layers till full and over the edges. sand smooth, one more thin coat to fill gaps then sand and carve and form to the wood before.

wear a mask when sanding. takes a bit to learn now to use, to make it look professional, but it is you house and you do not have to get paid when the job is done. good luck. prime, caulk, finish paint:thumbup:

 

[manofmany]

Plastic visqueen is probably you're best option. I install replacement windows/doors for a living and unless you completely seal everything off, you are risking much more extensive damage. If just the sills are rotted they can be serviced and replaced with a wood look-a-like pvc. I assume there is no brick mold?