Sash Window Repair
When sash windows become old, they may become less reliable and start to leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can bring them to their original state and give them a new coat of paint.
Pam compares her search for replacement weights to trading horses- she eventually finds combinations that work. She also sprays the pulley axles with a the light coating of lubricant to prevent future squeaks.
1. Cracked Glass
Over time, wooden windows may be affected by cracked glass and broken cords for sash. These are typical issues with old sash window, but they can be fixed without having to replace the entire window.
Cracked window glass could be extremely hazardous especially for children and elderly people living alone So a damaged window should be repaired as soon as is possible. Mark the area you wish to cut with a marker before laying out the window pane. Then, using a steel straightedge, or glass cutters that have a small-wheel, score the cutting line on the glass. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with the glass cutter.
After the cut is completed, carefully remove the glass and set it aside. Then, put the sash on an even surface. Wear thick gloves that are cut-resistant and safety glasses to safeguard yourself. Start by placing an X on the glass using painter's adhesive and then put tape over any places where the glass has shattered. This will aid in keeping the broken glass in one piece while you remove it from the frame.
After protecting the glass and sash using tape, remove the separating beads as well as the cords or chains. Soften the old, hardened putty with a heat gun before scraping it off using a putty knife. Remove any hardware that is attached to the sash by carefully prying it off. Store it in a labeled bag so that you know what opening to place it back into.
A damaged pulley system may be the reason for your sash being stuck in half-way up or down. Professional sash window restorers can fix the spring balances and pulleys in order to make your window more comfortable to operate. They can also add weather-sealing and draught proofing to old wooden windows, making them warmer while reducing your energy bills. If you reside in a listed building or conservation area, they may also install more energy efficient slimline double glazing in your timber frames.
2. Broken Sash
While sash windows are intended for opening up to fresh air, over time they can become stuck. This happens when the sash cord gets damaged and the window cannot longer be closed or opened. If the sash is stuck or can not be opened, it is essential to examine the window to determine the reason behind the issue. Once the root of the issue has been determined, it is possible to implement the simplest solution.
The first thing to verify is whether the tabs of metal on either side of the sash have been fitted into the window frame slots. If the tabs are of a different shape, they may not fit correctly and will cause issues with the window being able to be moved up or down. A few screws can be removed to fix this.
It is then a good idea to take the bottom sash out and set it on flat surfaces. The "pockets" are the little doors on the left and the right side of the window. They were originally designed to fit perfectly however they have been pinned to the frame or screwed into place over time. A sharp utility knife can be used to slice along the joint of paint and gently remove them.
After taking the pockets out, it's a good idea to check for nails that could have been used to hold them in place. If there's no nails, you can simply try to lever them off - it's beneficial to have someone else to hold the window in place as they can be quite heavy. If you find nails, you will need to break them with the blade of a tiny pry-bar. This can be tricky and it is sometimes simpler to replace the nails completely.
Once you have all the pieces put in place, the last step is to install the sash. This is a relatively simple job. If the sash at the bottom isn't able to be pulled out, it may need to be re-balanced by attaching a counterweight and re-tying old cords. This requires opening up the jambs in order to access the cast iron weights that are inside.
3. Paint that is worn Paint
It can cause rotting, in addition to other issues, as old paint wears away. In certain cases, it can also obscure the window's original style and appearance, so it's always recommended to have it replaced before things go too far.
If the rot isn't too severe it's possible to clean the affected area and then treat it with a wood softener to strengthen the fibers. After it's completely dry, you can use an epoxy wood filler of high-quality to repair the damaged areas and then shape to match the wood. Once the filler is cured, sand it smooth, prime and then paint to repair the window.
Check that the sash is completely opened and isn't stuck. After you've finished painting your lower section, it's time to reassemble the sash and paint the upper frame. Paint the edges of the sash, first, and then the rebate that the sash is placed in the sash recess when it is opened and closed. If the sash does not sit vertically in repair windows the rebate after you insert it then you can use glazier's suggestions to ensure it is secured.
When you are ready to paint, make sure you use the correct type of paint for your windows with sash. Apply several coats with a roller or brush. It is important to maintain an even thickness of paint to ensure that the final look will be uniform across all surfaces.
When you're re-painting the window, make sure you label all the parts so you can put them back in their original locations later on. This is especially useful when you're working on multiple windows with sash in one go. Remove the staff bead and take off all security fittings before taking the lower sash off. You can replace the pockets and parting bead, seal gaps with decorators' caulk and then tighten the sash cords once you remove the sash. Once the work is done the sash should function smoothly once more.
4. Rotten Timber
Our sash window team found decayed wood in the frame box and frame during an earlier Highgate project. It's a frequent issue for older homes. Check that the putty seals and protects the glass and frames. A gap here can allow moisture to seep in and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, especially when the sash moves slowly due to dirt or high humidity. But with a bit of time and a little care for the wood putty, and simple window maintenance, this issue can be easily corrected before it becomes an issue.
The first step is to take away the decayed timber and replacing it with new wood. You can make use of a prybar, hammer and an axe to do this. Make sure the area is completely clear of any nails, timber or other debris that could hinder the re-construction of the sash once it is put back in place. The sash is rebuilt using timber splicing into the areas where the rotten timber is and epoxy resin applied on the remaining pieces of wood to form an unbreakable repair.
Once the sash is rebuilt, it's time to re-glaze your window. It's a simple procedure that can be performed with the window closed or open. If the sash is opened, it's vital to remember to lower the sash cords before doing so, to avoid dropping the weights down and breaking them. When the sash is repaired it can be reinstalled by securing the sash cords onto each pulley and putting strip that separates them back in the correct position.
Maintaining a regular schedule for maintenance of your timber and sash window maintenance will extend the lifespan of your windows and lessen the need for major repairs to sash windows. Caulking and painting your windows, sash doors and trim can aid in preventing moisture and water from entering. Additionally, checking your trims made of wood for signs of decay and keeping an eye on it regularly will help you keep your home in great condition and avoid costly sash windows repairs.