Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become old and unreliable. They could leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can restore them to their original condition and give them a new coat of paint.
Pam examines her search for replacement weights with horse trading. She is able to find combinations that are effective. She sprays a thin layer lubricant on the pulleys to stop future noises.
1. Cracked Glass
Timber windows may develop cracks in the glass as well as damaged sash cables as time passes. These are common problems in older sash windows, however it is usually possible to repaired without having to replace the window.
Window glass that is cracked can be very dangerous especially for children and elderly individuals living on their own So a damaged window must be fixed as soon as possible. Mark the area you want to cut using an eraser prior to placing the window pane. Next, use a metal straightedge and a glass cutting tool with a small wheel to score the cutting line on the glass. Make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves when using the glass cutter.
Once the glass is cut, take it off carefully and set aside. Then, you can take the sash, and place it on a flat work surface. Be sure to protect yourself by wearing thick cut-proof gloves and safety glasses. Begin by putting an X on the glass with painter's tape and also 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 with tape remove any cords or chains and the beads that separate. Soften the old, hardened putty using a heat gun and scrape it off using a putty knife. Remove the sash carefully and remove any hardware that has been fixed to it. Store it in a bag with a label to ensure you know which opening to put it back into.
A damaged pulley system may be the reason for your sash slipping half-way up or down. A professional sash window restorer can replace the pulleys and spring balances, making your window smooth to operate again. They can also add weather-sealing and draught proofing to your old wooden windows, making them warmer while reducing your energy bills. If you live in a listed home or conservation zone, they can install more energy efficient slimline double glazing into your timber frames.
2. Broken Sash
While sash windows are made for opening up to fresh air, after a while they can get stuck. This is usually the case when a cable in the sash breaks and the window is unable to be shut or opened. It is crucial to check your window to determine the cause of the issue, in the event that the sash becomes stuck or is not able to be opened. Once the root cause is identified, a simple fix is possible to implement.
The first thing to verify is to ensure that the tabs made of metal on either side of the sash have been inserted into the slots of the window frame. If the tabs have a different shape it may not fit properly and cause issues with the window being able to move up or down. A couple of screws can be removed to correct this.
Next it's a good idea to pull the bottom sash out and set it on an even surface. The "pockets" are the small doors on the left and right side of the window. They were originally designed to fit snugly, but have been pinned into place or screwed throughout the years. A sharp knife can be used to cut along the paint joint and gently prise them out.
Look for nails used to secure the pockets. If there are no nails, you can try to pull the pockets free. It's helpful to have someone else hold the window as they can be quite heavy. If there are any nails, you'll need to break them with the blade of a tiny pry-bar. This can be tricky and sometimes, it's simpler to replace double glazed windows repairs the nails completely.
Once you have all the pieces put in place the next step is to install the sash. This is a relatively simple job. If the bottom sash isn't able to be pulled out it may require rebalancing by affixing a new counterweight and re-tying old cords. This will require opening up the jambs in order to access the cast iron weights within.
3. Wear and tear Paint
Once old paint has deteriorated and the window is damaged, it could lead to decay and a myriad of other issues. In certain cases it may also obscure the original design and appearance, so it's always an ideal idea to have it replaced before things go too far.
If the rot isn't so bad, it could be possible to sand the affected area prior to applying a wood-hardener to consolidate fibers. Once the epoxy filler is dry it is possible to repair the damaged area and form it to match the surrounding wood. Once the filler has cured and smooth, sand it, prime and then paint the window.
Before you start working, make sure the sash is fully open and doesn't have any snags in its place. After you've finished painting your lower section, 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 rabbet once it's opened and closed. If the sash doesn't sit vertically in the rebate after you put it in then you can use glazier's suggestions to ensure it is secured.
When you're ready for re-painting make sure you're using the correct type of paint suitable for sash windows and apply a few coats with the help of a roller or brush. It's essential to maintain a uniform thickness of paint so that the finish will appear consistent across every surface.
When you're re-painting the window, make sure you label each part so that you can put them back in their proper places later on. This is particularly useful when you're working on multiple windows that have sash on them simultaneously. Remove the staff bead, and unscrew all security fittings before taking off the lower sash. After the sash has been removed it is possible to replace the pockets and beads for parting, seal along gaps with decorators caulk, and re-tighten sash cords. Once the work is done your sash should function smoothly again.
4. Rotten Timber
During a recent project in Highgate, our sash window team encountered decayed wood in the sash frame and box. This is a common issue in older homes. Verify that the putty seals and protects the glass and frames. A gap here could allow moisture to seep in and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, especially when the sash is moving slowly due to dirt or high humidity. With a little effort, some focus on the putty and a few simple maintenance for the sash, you will be able to easily fix this before it becomes a problem.
The first step is to remove the wood that is decaying and replace it with new timber. You can use a combination of a prybar, an axe and hammer to do this. Make sure to get rid of all nails, wood and other debris that could hinder the construction of the sash once it's back in its place. The sash is then rebuilt using timber splicing into the areas where the rotten timber is and epoxy resin is then used on the remaining pieces of wood to form an enduring repair.
After the sash has been repaired, it is important to re-glaze your window. This is a simple process that can be carried out with the window shut or open. If the sash is open it is important to remember to lower the sash cords prior to doing so, to avoid dropping the weights down and breaking them. When the sash is repaired, it can be reinstalled, hooking the sash cords onto each pulley and putting strip that separates them back in place.
Regular timber maintenance and sash windows maintenance will prolong the life of your sash windows and decrease the need for major repairs to the sash. Painting and caulking your windows, sash doors, and trim will aid in preventing water and damp ingress. Additionally, keeping a regular check on your trim and looking for signs of decay, will keep your home in good repair and prevent any costly repairs to your sash window.