Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become old and unreliable. They could leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can bring them to their original state and then apply a fresh coat of paint.
Pam compares her search for replacement weights with horse trading. She comes up with combinations that are effective. She also sprays the pulley axles with an oily coating to prevent future rattles.
1. Cracked Glass
Timber windows can show cracks in the glass and damaged sash cables as time passes. These are typical issues with older sash windows, but they can be repaired without replacing the entire window.
A damaged window can be dangerous, especially to people with disabilities or who live alone. It is crucial to 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'd like to cut. Then, you can use a metal straightedge and a glass cutter using the small wheel to cut the cutting line on the glass. Wear protective glasses and gloves when using the glass cutter.
Once the glass is cut, take it off carefully and put it aside. Then, put the sash on a flat surface. Wear thick gloves, cut-resistant gloves, and safety glasses to protect yourself. Tape the glass into an form of an X using masking tape. Also, tape any broken glass. This will ensure that the glass remains intact as you remove the frame.
After covering the glass with tape, remove any cords or chains and the separating beads. Use a heat gun to soften the old putty and scrape with a putty blade. Carefully pry off the sash and take off any hardware that has been connected to it. Keep it in a bag with a label so that you know what opening to place it back into.
A broken pulley mechanism could be the cause of your sash being stuck in half-way either direction. Professional sash window restorers can fix the spring balances and pulleys to make your window easier to operate. They can also add weather-sealing and draught proofing to old wooden windows, making them warmer and reducing your energy bill. If you reside in a listed home or conservation zone, they can install more energy efficient slimline double glazing into your timber frames.
2. Broken Sash
Sash windows are designed for opening up to fresh air, after a while they can get stuck. This happens when a sash cord breaks and the window cannot longer be opened or closed. If the sash is stuck or cannot no longer be opened it is important to inspect the window to determine the cause of the problem. Once the cause is identified the solution can be made.
Make sure that the tabs made of metal at the top and bottom of the sash have been inserted into the slots of the frame of the window. If the tabs have a different shape, they may not fit correctly and will cause issues with the window being able to move up or down. Usually, a few simple screws are needed to fix this.
It is then a good idea to pull the bottom sash out and place it on flat surfaces. There is a small door on the left and right sides of the window, these are known as "pockets." These were designed to be a snug fit however, many have been pinched or screwed into place in the past. Make use of a utility knife to carefully cut along the paint joints, then gently pry them away.
After taking the pockets upvc door repair out, it's a good idea to check for nails that could be used to hold them in the first place. If there are no nails, you may try to pull the pockets open. It's helpful to have someone else hold the window as they can be quite heavy. If you find nails, you'll have to break them with the blade of a small pry-bar. This can be tricky and it is sometimes easier to just replace the nails.
Once you have all the pieces put in place then the final step is to attach the sash. This should be a fairly simple job. 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. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the jambs and then access the cast-iron weights.
3. Wear and tear Paint
It can cause rotting, in addition to other issues, as old paint begins to wear away. It can also hide the original design of the window.
If the rot isn't too severe, it might be possible to sand down the affected area before treating it with a wood-hardener to consolidate fibers. Once the epoxy filler has dried it is possible to repair the damaged area and shape it to match the surrounding wood. Once the epoxy wood filler is cured, sand the surface smooth, prime and then paint the window to repair it.
Make sure the sash has been completely opened and is not stuck. After you've finished painting your lower section, it's now 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 sits in the recess of the sash when it's closed and opened. If the sash isn't vertical when you put it back into the rebate of the sash you can fix it with glazier's points.
When you're ready to re-paint make sure you're using the correct type of paint for windows with sash and apply a few coats with a brush or roller. It's essential to maintain the same thickness of paint so that the finished will look consistent on every surface.
Label all the parts when you are painting your window. This will help you to place them in the correct place later. This is particularly useful when you're working on several windows with sash in one go. You'll need to unscrew any security fittings and remove the staff bead, before pulling out the lower sash and removing the chains or cords on both sides. You can replace the pockets and parting bead, seal the gaps with decorators' caulk, and then tighten the sash cords after removing the sash. When the task is complete your sash should function smoothly again.
4. Rotten Timber
Our sash windows team found decayed wood in the sash box and frame during a recent Highgate project. This is a common issue in older homes. Make sure that the putty is still sealing and protects the glass and frames. A gap in the frame can let moisture in and cause decay. This can be easy to overlook, particularly when the sash moves reluctantly due to the high humidity or the build-up of grime up. But, with a little patience, a little care and attention to the timber putty, and some simple sash window maintenance, this could be fixed before it becomes a problem.
The first step is to get rid of the rotten wood and replace it with new timber. You can use a combination of a prybar, hammer and an axe to do this. Make sure to get rid of all nails, wood and other debris that could hinder the re-construction of the sash when it's back in its place. The sash will be rebuilt using timber splicing to replace the rotten wood and epoxy resin on the remaining pieces of solid wood.
It's also important to re-glaze the window once the sash is rebuilt. This is a simple process and can be done when the window is open or closed. It is crucial to remember to lower the sash cords in case the sash has been opened. This will prevent the weights from falling and breaking. Reinstalling the sash once it's been repaired can be easy as putting the cords onto each pulley, and reconnecting the strip of separation.
Regular maintenance of your timber and sash window maintenance will help extend the life of your sash windows, and will reduce the need for major repairs to the sash. In the beginning, caulking around your windows and sash doors, and repainting your windows regularly will prevent moisture ingress and damp. In addition, keeping a regular watch on your wooden trim and checking for areas of decay, will keep your home in good condition and will avoid costly repairs to your sash window.