Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become old and insecure. They may leak or make noises. Sash window repair experts can help them return to their original state and apply a fresh coat of paint.
Pam compares her search for replacement weights to trading horsesand she is able to find combinations that work. She sprays a thin layer of grease on the pulleys in order to prevent future soundings.
1. Cracked Glass
Timber windows can develop cracks in the glass and damaged sash cables as time passes. These are typical problems for old sash window, but they can be fixed without replacing the entire window.
A damaged window can be dangerous, especially for children or elderly who live alone. It is important that you repair it as soon as you can. Mark the area you want to cut using an eraser prior to laying out the window pane. Then, you can use a metal straightedge and a glass cutter with a small wheel to mark the cutting line on the glass. Make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves when working with the glass cutter.
Once the glass has been cut, remove it carefully and put it aside. Then, place the sash on a flat surface. Protect yourself by wearing thick cut-proof gloves and a pair of safety glasses. Start by placing an X on the glass using painter's adhesive and then put tape over any places in which the glass has shattering. This will help keep the glass intact when you take it out of the frame.
After protecting the glass and sash using tape, remove the separating beads, as well as the cords and chains. Soften the old, hardened glue with the help of a heat gun, then scrape it off using a putty knife. Remove the sash carefully and take off any hardware fixed to it. Label the bag so that you know the best place to put it.
If your sash is stuck half way up or down it might be due to a broken pulley system. A professional sash window restorer will replace spring balances and pulleys, making your window smooth to operate. They can also add draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your timber windows, which will make them warmer and reducing your energy costs. If you reside in a listed building or conservation area, they may also install more energy efficient slimline double glazing into your timber frames.
2. Broken Sash
Sash windows are designed to open to let in fresh air. However, they can get stuck over time. This is usually the case when a sash cable breaks and the window cannot be opened or shut. If the sash is stuck or can not be opened, it is crucial to check the window to figure out the cause of the problem. Once the cause of the issue has been discovered it is possible to implement the simplest solution.
Make sure that the tabs made 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 are a different shape, they may not fit properly and cause issues with the window being able to move up or down. Usually, only a few screws are needed to fix this.
The next step is to take the bottom sash out and set it on an even surface. The "pockets" are the tiny doors that are on the left and right side of the window. They were made to fit tightly however they have been pinned to the frame or screwed into place over time. Utilize a knife to carefully slice through the paint joints and gently pry them away.
After removing the pockets it's recommended to look for nails that could have been used to keep them in their place. If there aren't any, you can simply try to lever them off - it's beneficial to have someone to help hold the window up as they can be quite heavy. If you find nails, you must use the blade on a small pry bar to break the nail heads - this can be quite difficult and at times it's better to just replace them completely.
Once you have all the pieces arranged then the final step is to install the sash. This should be a easy task. If the sash on the bottom cannot be removed it could be necessary to rebalance the window attaching a counterweight, and then retying the old cords. This will require opening up the jambs in order to access the cast iron weights within.
3. Worn Paint
It can cause rotting, in addition to other issues, as the paint has worn away. It could also obscure the original design of the window.
If the rot is not so bad, it could be possible to sand the affected area prior to treating it with an abrasive to bind the fibers. When it's dry you can apply an epoxy wood filler of high-quality to repair the damaged areas and shape them to match the surrounding wood. Once the filler is cured and smooth, sand it prime, and then paint to restore the window.
Make sure the sash has been completely open and isn't snagged. Once you've finished painting the lower portion, it's time to assemble the sash again and paint the upper frame. Paint the edges of the sash, first, and then the rebate, where the sash is placed in the sash recess after it's closed and opened. If the sash isn't vertically in the rebate when you insert it, you can use glazier's suggestions to fix it.
When you are ready to repaint, you must use the correct type of paint for your windows with sash. Apply several coats using brushes or rollers. It is crucial to maintain an even thickness of paint so that the final appearance will be consistent across all surfaces.
If you're painting a window, be sure to label the entire area so you can put them back in their proper locations later on. This is especially useful when you're working on multiple windows that have sash on them simultaneously. It is necessary to unscrew any security fittings and take off the staff bead prior to pulling out the lower sash and removing the chains or cords on both sides. You can replace the pockets and the partitioning bead, seal the gaps with decorators' caulk, and tighten the sash's cords after removing the sash. When the job is done your sash window will be running smoothly again.
4. Rotten Timber
In a recent project in Highgate, our sash window team was confronted with decayed wood in the frame and box of the sash. A common problem in older homes, it's essential to make sure that the putty is still sealing and protecting the frames and glass. gaps in the frame mean that moisture could seep in and cause rot. It's difficult to spot, especially when the sash doesn't move as easily because of the high humidity or the build-up of grime up. With a little patience and attention to the putty and some simple maintenance on the sash, you can easily correct this before it becomes a problem.
The first step is to take away the old timber and replacing it with new wood. This can be done using the pry bar and hammer, and chisel. Make sure you remove all nails, extra timber, and any other debris that might hinder the reconstruction of the sash when it's put back in its place. The sash is rebuilt with timber splicing in the areas where the original decayed timber is present and epoxy resin applied on the remaining sound pieces of wood to form a lasting repair.
Once the sash is rebuilt, it's important to re-glaze the window. This is a relatively straightforward procedure and can be accomplished when the window is open or closed. It sash windows repair is essential to lower the sash cords in case the sash has been opened. This will prevent the weights from falling and breaking. After the sash has been repaired, it can be reinstalled by hooking the sash cords back on each pulley and putting strip of parting back into the correct position.
Regular maintenance of your timber and sash windows maintenance will aid in prolonging the life of your sash windows and reduce the need for major repairs to sash. Painting and caulking your windows, doors and trim will aid in preventing water and damp ingress. Also, examining your wooden trim for decay and monitoring it on a regular basis will help keep your home in good condition and prevent costly repairs to windows that are sash.