Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become old and insecure. They may leak or make noises. Sash window experts can restore them to their original state and then apply a fresh coat of paint.
Pam compares her search for replacement weights with horse trading. She is able to find combinations that work. She sprays a thin layer of grease on the pulleys in order to prevent any future soundings.
1. Glass that has cracked
Over time, timber windows may suffer from cracked glass and broken cords of sash. These are common problems with old sash windows, however they can be fixed without having to replace the entire window.
A damaged window can be dangerous, especially for children or elderly people who live on their own. It is crucial that you repair it as soon as possible. The first step is to place the window pane on a flat surface and mark it with a marker on the area you want to cut. Next, use a metal straightedge and a glass cutter with the small wheel to cut the cutting line on the glass. Be sure to wear protective glasses and gloves while using the glass cutter.
Once the glass is cut, remove it with care and set aside. Next, remove the sash and place it on a flat work surface. Wear thick gloves that are cut-resistant and safety glasses to protect yourself. Tape the glass in an shape that is X using painter's masking tape. Also tape any broken glass. This will ensure that the glass remains intact as you remove the frame.
After securing the glass and sash using tape, remove the separating beads, as well as the cords and chains. Soften the old, hardened putty with the help of a heat gun, then scrape it off using a putty knife. Remove any hardware that is attached to the sash, by prying it off. Label the bag so that you know where to put it.
A damaged pulley system may be the reason for your sash slipping half-way either direction. A professional sash restorer can replace spring balances and pulleys to make your window easy to operate. They can also add draught-proofing as well as weather-sealing to old timber windows, making them more comfortable and reducing utility costs. If you live in an area that is listed as an area designated as a conservation zone, the company can install slimline double-glazing into your timber frames. This will make them more energy efficient.
2. Broken Sash
Sash windows are designed to be opened to let fresh air in. However, they can get stuck with time. This happens when a sash cord breaks and the window can no longer be opened or closed. If the sash is stuck or cannot no longer be opened it is essential to examine the window to determine the reason behind the issue. Once the root cause has been determined an easy fix is possible to implement.
Make sure the tabs of metal at the top and bottom of the sash have been put into the slots of the frame of the window. If the tabs have a different shape, they may not fit properly and cause problems with the window being able to move up or down. A few screws can usually be removed to fix this.
The sash on the bottom must be removed and put on a flat surface. The "pockets" are the small doors that are on the left and the right side of the window. They were initially designed to fit perfectly however they have been pinned to the wall or screwed in over the years. Use a utility knife to carefully cut along the joints of paint and then gently pull them out.
Examine the nails used to secure the pockets. If there aren't any you could try to lift them out - it's helpful to have someone to help hold the window as they can be rather heavy. If you find nails, you'll have to break them with the blade of a small bar. This can be tricky and sometimes it is simpler to replace the nails altogether.
After you have all the pieces arranged the next step is to attach the sash. This should be a easy task. If the bottom sash still isn't able to be pulled out it could be necessary to rebalance the window by attaching a counterweight, and then retying the old cords. This requires opening up the jambs in order to access the cast iron weights that are inside.
3. Worn Paint
Once old paint has worn away, it can lead to the window becoming rotten and cause other problems. In some instances it may also alter the window's original style and appearance, so it's an ideal idea to have it replaced before things go too far.
If the rot is not too bad, it may be possible to sand down the affected area prior to treating it with a wood-hardener that helps to consolidate fibers. After it's completely dry and cured, you can use an epoxy wood filler of high-quality to repair the damaged areas and shape to match the surrounding wood. After the filler has dried and smooth, sand it, prime and then paint to repair the window.
Make sure that the sash is completely opened and isn't stuck. After you've finished painting the lower portion, it's time to reassemble the sash and paint the upper frame. When reassembling the sash paint the edges first, and then move on to the rebate, which is where the sash is placed in the sash's rabbet once it's closed and opened. If the sash doesn't sit completely vertical when you place it back into the rebate of the sash, you can secure it by using glazier's tips.
If you're ready to re-paint, glass window repair make sure you're using the right kind of paint suitable for sash windows and apply a few coats using the help of a roller or brush. It's essential to maintain an even thickness of paint so that the finished will be consistent across all surfaces.
If you're painting a window, be sure to label each part so that you can put them back in their proper locations later on. This is especially helpful when working on multiple windows at a time. Take off the staff bead and take off all security fittings before taking off the lower sash. After the sash has been removed, you'll be able to replace the pockets and parting beads and seal the gaps with decorators caulk, and tighten the sash cords. Once the work is done your sash should function smoothly once more.
4. Rotten Timber
Our sash windows team discovered decayed wood in the sash box and frame during an earlier Highgate project. It's a frequent issue for older homes. Verify that the putty is still sealing and protects the glass frames. A gap here could let moisture in and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, especially when the sash is moving slowly due to grime or high humidity. With a little patience and a little care for the putty, and a little maintenance for the sash, you will be able to quickly fix this issue before it becomes an issue.
The first step is to take away the decayed wood and replace it with fresh timber. This can be accomplished with pry bar and hammer and chisel. Make sure the area is completely free of nails, wood or other debris that could hinder the re-construction of the sash once it is put back in place. The sash is then rebuilt with timber splicing in the areas where the original decayed timber is found, and epoxy resin used on the remaining pieces of wood to form an enduring repair.
It is also essential to re-glaze your window after the sash has been repaired. This is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be completed with the window open or closed. If the sash is opened, it's vital to remember to lower the sash cords prior doing this, so that you avoid dropping the weights down and breaking them. Reinstalling the sash after it has been repaired is easy as putting the cords to each pulley, and reconnecting the strip of separation.
Regular timber maintenance and sash windows maintenance will aid in prolonging the life of your sash windows and reduce the need to make extensive repairs to sash. Making a habit of sealing your windows and sash doors and repainting them regularly, will prevent water infiltration and damp. Also, examining the wood trim for decay and keeping an eye on it on a regular basis will help keep your home in great condition and avoid costly repairs to windows that are sash.