Sash Window Repair
When sash windows get old they can lose their sturdiness and begin to leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can restore them to their original condition and apply a fresh coat of paint.
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1. Cracked glass
Timber windows may develop cracks in the glass as well as damaged sash cables as time passes. These are typical issues with old sash window, but they can be repaired without having to replace the entire window.
A broken window pane could be dangerous, especially to people with disabilities or who live on their own. It is crucial to repair it as quickly as you can. Mark the area you wish to cut with markers prior to laying out the window pane. Then, using a metal straightedge with glass cutters equipped with a small-wheel, score the cutting line into the glass. Make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses when working with the glass cutter.
Once the glass has been cut, take it off carefully and place it aside. Then, you can take the sash, and place it on a flat surface. Protect yourself by wearing thick cut-proof gloves as well as a pair of safety glasses. Start by putting an X on the glass using painter's tape. You can also place tape on any areas where the glass has shattered. This will keep the glass intact when you take it out of the frame.
After securing the glass with tape, take off any chains or cords and the parting beads. Soften the old, hardened glue with the help of a heat gun, then scrape it off using a putty knife. Remove any hardware attached to the sash, by prying it off. Label the bag to determine where to put it.
If your sash is stuck half way either way, it could be due to a damaged pulley system. A professional sash window restorer will replace the pulleys and spring balances and make your window smooth to operate again. They can also provide weather-sealing and draught proofing to old wooden windows, thereby making them warmer while reducing your utility bill. If you live in an area that is listed as an area designated as a conservation zone, the company can install slimline double-glazing in your timber frames. This will make windows more energy efficient.
2. Broken Sash
Sash windows are designed to open to let in fresh air. However, they may become stuck over time. This usually happens when a sash cable is damaged and the window is unable to be closed or opened. It is crucial to check your window to determine the source of the issue when the sash is stuck or is not able to be opened. Once the cause of the issue is identified it is possible to come up with the simplest solution.
Make sure the tabs of metal at the top and bottom of the sash have been inserted into the slots in the window frame. If the tabs are a different shape it may not fit correctly and will cause problems with the window being able to move up or down. In most cases, a few simple screws are needed to correct this.
Next it's a good idea to take the sash at the bottom out and place it on a flat surface. The "pockets" are the little doors that are on the left and right side of the window. They were initially made to fit tightly, but have been pinned into place or screwed over the years. Use a utility knife to carefully cut along the paint joints, then gently pull them out.
Examine the nails that 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 in place as they can be rather heavy. If you find nails, you'll have to break them using the blade of a small pry-bar. This can be a challenge and it is sometimes simpler to replace the nails altogether.
Once you have all the pieces put in place the next step is to put in the sash. This should be a fairly easy task. If the sash at the bottom is still not able to be pulled out it may need to be re-balanced by affixing a new counterweight and re-tying old cords. To do this, you will need to open the jambs and then access the cast-iron weights.
3. Wear and tear Paint
When old paint has deteriorated and the window is damaged, it could lead to rotting and a host of other issues. In some cases it may even obscure the window's original style and appearance, so it's always recommended to have it replaced before things go too far.
If rot isn't too bad, you might be able to sand the affected area and then treat it with a hardener for wood to consolidate the fibers. Once it's fully dry and cured, you can use a high-quality epoxy wood filler to repair the damaged areas and shape them to match the wood. After the epoxy wood filler has cured and dried, sand the surface to smooth, prime it, and then paint the window to restore it.
Before you begin working before you begin, ensure that the sash is open and not stuck in place. After 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, and then proceed to the rebate, which is where the sash is placed in the sash rabbet once it's opened and closed. If the sash isn't vertically in the rebate after you insert it then you can use the glazier's advice to ensure it is secured.
When you're ready for re-painting ensure that you're using the right kind of paint for windows with sash and apply a few coats with either a roller or brush. It's essential to maintain an even thickness of paint so that the finished will be consistent across every surface.
Label all the parts when you are painting your window. This will help you to put them back in the proper place later on. This is especially useful when working on multiple sash windows simultaneously. Remove the staff bead, and take off all security fittings before taking off the lower sash. Once the sash is removed it is possible to replace the pockets and beads for parting seal any gaps with decorators caulk, and tighten the sash's cords. When the task is complete your sash should be functioning smoothly again.
4. Rotten Timber
On a recent job in Highgate, our sash window team was confronted with rotten timber within the frame and box of the sash. It's a common problem with older homes. Make sure that the putty still seals and protects the glass and frames. A gap in the frame can let moisture in and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, particularly when the sash moves reluctantly due to doors repair high humidity or grime build up. With a little time and focus on the putty and a little maintenance on the sash, you can easily correct this before it becomes an issue.
The first step is to take away the decayed timber and replacing it with new wood. You can make use of a combination of a prybar, an axe, and hammer to accomplish this. Make sure that the area is free of nails, wood or other debris that could hinder the re-construction of the sash after it is back in place. The sash will be rebuilt using timber splicing in order to replace the decayed wood, and epoxy resin on the remaining pieces of solid wood.
Once the sash has been rebuilt, it's time to re-glaze your window. This is an easy process that can be performed with the window either closed or open. 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. After the sash has been repaired it can be reinstalled, hooking the sash cords back onto each pulley and putting the strip of parting back into place.
Regular timber maintenance and sash windows maintenance can help extend the life of your sash windows and decrease the need to make extensive repairs to sash. Caulking and painting your windows, doors and trim can help to prevent damp and water ingress. Additionally, checking your trims made of wood for decay and keeping an eye on it regularly will help you maintain your home in excellent condition and avoid costly sash windows repairs.