I recently obtained a number of Hurd windows that are clad exterior and stain grade interior. They are being stored in a weather proof area. I was told that I have to seal them or they may warp. Is this true? I live in Colorado where humidity is low. If I do need to seal them, what will be the best product so when the windows are installed (within 2 years), they can be finished with the rest of the new wood work. I would like to not seal them if at all possible.
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What do you mean weather proof? Dirt floor? Concrete? What kind of windows, small double hung or custom geometry? How are they stored, opened and leaning against each other or still boxed? The wood will discolor just from age but not much if still in boxes. If you pre-finish you will have to take special precautions to protect them from the drywall process. Sometimes labels left on the glass can cause a permanent shadow but this is more likley when exposed to sun. Many window manufacturers have applied a preservative. Get them inside and keep them high and dry and covered and you should be fine. Watch out for metal storage trailers that have poor ventilation if any and often leak.
Hey Hammer,
the windows are large fixed, some awnings and mostly casement. They have simulated TDL, so the mullions area custom detail. All windows are retangular in shape. They are stacked against each other stored on concrete and boxed on the clad side of the window. I can wrap each window and store them vertical against each other and raise them off the floor. Will that be enough?
I certainly won't speculate on storage for 2 yrs, but I would put visqueen DOWN on the concrete to seal the moisture from the stacked windows. Visqueen first, then sleepers to raise it off the floor.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Don't wrap each window, you may trap moisture, the enemy. But do get them off the concrete and don't have too many leaning. If there is a nailing flange on the bottom, don't crush it. If these are in the basement of a new home under construction you need to check on them to insure their health. If you put down poly and it collects water that's bad. If you totally enclose with waterproof material you may create a sauna and that's bad for windows. Clean, high and dry.
Defenitely put something under the windows, such as visqueen or a tarp. To protect the wood you can apply benite. It is a cleat sandable sealer. We usually benite the interiors of our wooden window casements as part of the installation process. Then when the painter comes through later he just sands off the sealer and applies the selected finish.