Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get old and unreliable. They can leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can bring them to their original state and apply a fresh coat of paint.
Pam likens her pursuit of replacement weights to the process of trading horsesand eventually comes up with combinations that work. She also sprays the pulley axles with a light coating of lubricant to stop future rattles.
1. Cracked Glass
Timber windows may develop cracks in glass and broken sash cables over time. These are common problems in older sash windows, however they are usually repaired without having to replace the window.
A broken window pane could be dangerous, especially for people with disabilities or who live alone. It is crucial that you repair it as soon as possible. The first step is to place the window pane on a flat work surface and mark it with a marker to mark the spot you want to cut. Then, you can use a metal straightedge and a glass cutting tool with the small wheel to cut the cutting line on the glass. Wear protective glasses and gloves when using the glass cutter.
After the cut has been made, carefully remove the glass and put it aside. Then, you can place the sash on the flat surface. Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. Start by placing an X on the glass using painter's tape and also put tape over any areas where the glass has cracked. This will keep the glass intact as you remove the frame.
After securing the glass and sash with tape, remove the parting beads and the cords or chains. The heat gun will soften the hardened putty, then scrape it off with the putty blade. Remove any hardware attached to the sash by cutting it off. Label the bag to determine the best place to put it.
If your sash is stuck half way up or down, it could be due to a broken pulley system. A professional sash window restorer can replace spring balances and pulleys and make your window smooth to operate. They can also add draught-proofing as well as weather-sealing to your old timber windows, which will make them warmer and reducing your utility bills. If you reside in an area that is listed as an area of conservation the company can put slimline double-glazing in your timber frames. This will make windows more energy efficient.
2. Broken Sash
Sash windows are designed for opening up to fresh air, over time they can become stuck. This happens when the sash cord gets damaged and the window can no open or close. If the sash is clogged or can not be opened, it is important to inspect the window to determine the cause of the problem. Once the cause has been identified, a simple fix can be made.
The first thing to check is to ensure that the tabs made of metal on each side of the sash are placed into the window frame slots. If the tabs are of a different shape, it could not fit properly and cause issues with the window being able to be moved up or down. In most cases, a few simple screws are needed to fix this.
The sash at the bottom should be removed and put on a flat surface. The "pockets" are the small doors that are on the left and right side of the window. They were designed to fit perfectly, but have been pinned to the frame or screwed into place over the years. Use a utility knife to carefully slice along the joints of paint and then gently pull them out.
After taking the pockets out, it's an excellent idea to look for nails that may have been used to keep them in place. If there aren't any you can try to pull them out - it's helpful to have someone help hold the window in place as they can be quite heavy. If there are nails you will require the blade on a small bar to break the nail heads - this isn't easy and often it's simpler to replace them all.
After you have all the pieces in place, the last step is to install the sash. This is a relatively easy task. If the sash on the bottom cannot be pulled out it is possible to balance the window by attaching a counterweight and retying the old cords. This requires opening up the jambs to get access to the cast iron weights inside.
3. Worn Paint
It could cause rotting, in addition to other issues, as old paint wears away. In some cases it could also alter the original design and appearance, so it's always recommended to have it replaced before things get too far.
If the rot is not so bad, it could be possible to sand the affected area before treating it with an abrasive to bind the fibers. When it's dry and cured, you can use an epoxy wood filler of high-quality to repair the damaged areas and shape them to match the wood. After the filler has dried then sand it to a smooth finish prime it, then paint to restore the window.
Before you start working, make sure the sash is open and doesn't have any snags in its the frame. Once you've finished painting the lower section, it's now time to reassemble the sash and paint the upper frame. When reassembling the sash, paint the edges first before you move to the rebate that's where the sash door repairman near me will sit in the sash rabbet after it's opened and closed. If the sash isn't vertical when you insert it back into the sash rebate, you can secure it with glazier's points.
When you are ready to repaint, use the right type of paint for your windows with sash. Apply several coats with a roller or brush. It's important to keep the same thickness of paint so that the finished will be consistent across every surface.
Label every part when you paint your window. This will allow you to put them back in the proper place later on. This is especially helpful when working on multiple sash windows at the same time. Take off the staff bead and take off all security fittings before taking the lower sash off. Once the sash is taken off and the sash is removed, you can replace the pockets and parting beads and seal the gaps with decorators caulk, and tighten the sash's cords. Once the work is done the sash should be functioning smoothly once more.
4. Rotten Timber
Our sash windows team discovered rotten wood in the sash box and frame during the recent Highgate project. It's a frequent issue for older homes. Check that the putty seals and protects the glass frames. A gap here can allow moisture to seep in and cause decay. It's easy to miss, particularly when the sash doesn't move as easily because of high humidity or grime build up. With a little effort and a little care for the putty, and a little maintenance on the sash, you can quickly fix this issue before it becomes an issue.
The first step is to take away the rotten wood and replace it with new timber. This can be accomplished with the pry bar, hammer and chisel. Make sure you remove all nails, extra timber and debris that could hinder the reconstruction of the sash after it is back in place. The sash will be rebuilt with wood splicing to replace decayed wood, and epoxy resin on the remaining pieces of solid wood.
Once the sash is rebuilt, it's important to re-glaze the window. This is a simple procedure and can be accomplished with the window open, or closed. If the sash is open, it's vital to remember to lower the sash cords prior to doing this, so that you avoid lowering the weights and breaking them. Reinstalling the sash after it has been repaired is as simple as hooking the cords onto each pulley, and reconnecting the strip of separation.
Regular timber maintenance and sash windows maintenance can aid in prolonging the life of your sash windows and reduce the need to make extensive repairs to the sash. Making a habit of caulking around your windows and doors made of sash, and repainting them regularly, will help prevent moisture ingress and damp. In addition keeping an watch on your wooden trim and looking for signs of decay will help keep your home in good condition and will avoid costly sash window repairs.