Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become old and unreliable. They can leak or make noises. Sash window repair specialists can assist in restoring them to their original state and then give them a new coat of paint.
Pam compares her search for replacement weights against horse trading. She eventually finds combinations that work. She sprays a thin layer oil on the pulleys to prevent any future squeaks.
1. Glass that has cracked
Timber windows may develop cracks in glass and shattered sash cables over time. These are common issues in old sash windows, but it is usually possible to remedied without replacing the window.
Window glass that is cracked can be very dangerous particularly for children or elderly people living alone, so a broken pane must be fixed as quickly as possible. The first step is to place the window pane on a flat work surface and mark it with a marker on the area you want to cut. Next, use a metal straightedge and a glass cutter with a small wheel to mark the cutting line on the glass. Make sure you wear protective glasses and gloves while working with the glass cutter.
After the cut is completed then carefully take the glass off and put it aside. Then, you can take the sash, and place it on a flat work surface. Make sure you are protected by wearing thick cut-proof gloves as well as glasses for safety. Tape the glass in a shape that is X using painter's masking tape. Also, tape any broken glass. This will aid in keeping the broken pane in one piece as you remove it from the frame.
After protecting the glass with tape, remove any chains or cords and the separating beads. Soften the old, hardened glue with a heat gun before scraping it off with a putty knife. Remove any hardware attached to the sash, by taking it off. Store 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 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 install draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your old timber windows, making them warmer and reducing your energy costs. If you reside in a listed property 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 with time. This happens most often when a sash cable breaks and the window is unable to be closed or opened. If the sash is stuck or cannot not be opened, it is important to inspect the window to determine the reason behind the issue. Once the cause has been determined an easy fix can be implemented.
The first thing to check is to ensure that the tabs made of metal on each side of the sash are inserted into the slots of the window frame. If the tabs have a different shape it may not fit properly and cause problems with the window being able to be moved up or down. Usually, a few simple screws are required to correct this.
Next it's a good idea to pull the bottom sash out and place it on a flat surface. The "pockets" are the tiny doors that are on the left and right side of the window. They were originally designed to fit snugly but have been pinched into place or screwed throughout the years. Make use of a utility knife to carefully cut along the paint joints, then gently pull them out.
After removing the pockets it's a good idea to check for nails that might be used to hold them in the first place. If there's no nails, you can simply try to lever them free - it helps to have someone to help hold the window as they can be quite heavy. If you find nails, you'll need to break them using the blade of a small pry-bar. This can be tricky and sometimes it is easier to replace the nails completely.
The last job is to install the new sash into the opening. repairing upvc windows This should be fairly easy after everything is in place. If the sash on the bottom cannot be removed, it may be necessary to balance the window by attaching a counterweight and retying the old cords. To do this, you will have to remove the jambs and then access the cast-iron weights.
3. Paint that is worn Paint
It can cause rotting, in addition to other issues, as the paint has worn away. It can also hide the original design of the window.
If the rot isn't that bad it's possible to clean the affected area, and then treat it with a wood softener to consolidate the fibers. When it's dry you can apply a high-quality epoxy wood filler to repair the damaged areas and then shape to match the surrounding wood. Once the epoxy wood filler has dried, sand the surface smooth, prime, and then paint the window to restore it.
Check that the sash has been completely opened and is not stuck. After you've finished painting the lower portion of the sash, it's now time to assemble and paint the upper frame. Paint the edges of the sash, first, and then the rebate where the sash will be placed in the sash recess after it is opened and closed. If the sash isn't vertical when you put it back into the rebate of the sash, you can secure it by using glazier's tips.
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 is important to maintain a uniform paint thickness to ensure that the final look will be the same across all surfaces.
Label all the parts you are painting when you are re-painting your window. This will make it easier to place them in the correct place later. This is particularly helpful when working on multiple sash windows at a time. You'll need to unscrew any security fittings and remove the staff bead before taking out the lower sash and taking off the chains or cords on both sides. You can replace the pockets and the partitioning bead, seal gaps with decorators' caulk and tighten the sash's cords once you have removed the sash. After the job is completed, your sash should be working smoothly once more.
4. Rotten Timber
On a recent job in Highgate, our sash window team was confronted with 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. It's easy to miss, particularly when the sash moves reluctantly due to the high humidity or the build-up of grime up. However, with a little time and a little focus on the timber putty, along with simple window maintenance, this can be easily corrected before it becomes an issue.
The first step is to get rid of the decayed wood and replace it with new timber. This can be accomplished with pry bar, hammer and chisel. Make sure you remove all nails, any extra timber, and any other debris that might hinder the construction of the sash once it's put back in place. The sash is rebuilt with timber splicing in the areas where the rotten timber is present and epoxy resin is then used on the remaining pieces of wood to form a lasting repair.
Once the sash has been rebuilt, it's important to re-glaze your window. This is an easy process that can be performed with the window closed or open. If the sash is open, it's vital to remember to lower the sash cords prior doing so, to prevent dropping the weights and breaking them. Reinstalling the sash once it's been repaired is easy as putting the cords to each pulley, then attaching the strip that separates.
Maintaining a regular schedule for timber maintenance and sash window maintenance can extend the life of your windows and lessen the need for major repairs to sash windows. Caulking and painting your windows, sash doors, and trim will help to prevent water and damp ingress. In addition keeping an check on your trim and examining for areas that are decayed will keep your home in good condition and will avoid costly sash window repairs.