Sash Window Repair

As sash windows age, they can lose their sturdiness and start to leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can restore them to their original condition and apply a fresh coat of paint.

Pam likens her pursuit of replacement weights to trading horses- she eventually finds combinations that work. She sprays a thin layer oil on the pulleys to prevent future squeaks.

1. Glass that has cracked

Timber windows may develop cracks in the glass and broken sash cables over time. These are typical issues with old sash window, but they can be repaired without having to replace the entire window.

A damaged window can be a risk, particularly to children or sash window repair elderly who live alone. It is crucial to fix it as quickly as you can. Mark the area you wish to cut with markers prior to placing the window pane. Then, you can use a metal straightedge and a glass cutting tool with a small wheel to mark the cutting line on the glass. Make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses when working with the glass cutter.

After the cut is completed then carefully take the glass off and place it in a safe place. Then, place the sash on an even surface. Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses to safeguard yourself. Tape the glass in a form of an X using masking tape. Also tape any broken glass. This will help keep the broken pane in one piece as you remove it from the frame.

After covering the glass and sash using tape, remove the separating beads as well as the cords or chains. Soften the old, hardened glue with a heat gun before scraping it away with a putty knife. Remove the sash carefully and take off any hardware that has been fixed to it. Label the bag to know where to put it back.

A damaged pulley system may be the reason for your sash slipping half-way either direction. A professional sash window restorer will replace the pulleys and spring balances and make your window smooth to operate. They can also add draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your timber windows, Sash Window Repair making them warmer and lessening your utility bills. If you live in an area that is listed as a conservation area The company can also install slimline double-glazing in your timber frames. This will make them more energy efficient.

2. Broken Sash

Sash windows are designed to let fresh air, with time they can get stuck. This usually happens when a sash cable is damaged and the window is unable to be opened or shut. It is important to inspect your window to determine the source of the problem in the event that the sash becomes stuck or is not able to be opened. Once the root of the issue has been identified, a simple fix is possible to implement.

The first thing to verify is that the metal tabs on each side of the sash have been inserted into the slots in the window frame. If the tabs have a different shape, they may not fit correctly. This can result in the window being not able to be raised or lowered. In most cases, a few simple screws are needed to correct this.

Next it's a good idea to pull the bottom sash out and place it on flat surfaces. The "pockets" are the small doors on the left and right side of the window. They were designed to fit perfectly however they have been pinned into place or screwed over time. A sharp knife can be used to slice along the paint joint and gently prise them out.

After removing the pockets, it's a good idea to check for nails that might have been used to hold them in the first place. If there's no nails, you could try to lift them off - it's beneficial to have someone help hold the window in place as they can be quite heavy. If there are nails, you will require the blade of a small pry bar to break the nail heads. This can be quite difficult and sometimes it's easier to simply replace them altogether.

Once you have all the pieces arranged the next step is to install the sash. This should be a simple task. If the bottom sash is unable to be pulled out, it may require rebalancing by attaching a new counterweight and re-tying the old cords. To accomplish this, you'll have to remove the jambs and then access the cast-iron weights.

3. Worn Paint

Once old paint has worn away and the window is damaged, it could lead to decay and a myriad of other issues. In certain cases it may even obscure the window's original design and appearance, so it's recommended to have it repaired before things go too far.

If the rot isn't too severe, it might be possible to sand the affected area before applying an abrasive to bind the fibers. Once it's fully dry you can apply an epoxy wood filler of high-quality to repair the damaged areas and then shape to match the wood. After the filler has dried, sand it smooth, prime and then paint to restore the window.

Before you begin working before you begin, ensure that the sash is fully open and not stuck in position. After you've finished painting the lower section, it's time to assemble the sash again and paint the upper frame. Paint the edges of the sash, first, and then the rebate that the sash will be placed in the recess of the sash when it is opened and closed. If the sash does not sit vertically in the rebate when you put it in the rebate, you can use glazier's suggestions to ensure it is secured.

When you're ready for re-painting make sure you're using the appropriate type of paint suitable for sash windows and apply a few coats using either a roller or brush. It's essential to maintain the same thickness of paint so that the finished will look consistent on all surfaces.

Label all the parts when you are re-painting your window. This will make it easier to place them in the correct location later. This is especially important when you're working on multiple windows that have sash on them simultaneously. Remove the staff bead and unscrew all security fittings before taking the lower sash off. Once the sash is removed and the sash is removed, you can replace the pockets and beads for parting seal any gaps using decorators caulk and tighten the sash cords. After the work is completed your sash window will be operating smoothly once more.

4. Rotten Timber

During a recent project in Highgate, our sash window team was confronted with decayed timber in the sash frame and box. It's a frequent issue for older homes. Check that the putty still seals and protects the glass frames. A gap in the frame can allow moisture to enter and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, particularly when the sash moves slow because of grime or high humidity. However, with a little time, a little care and focus on the timber putty, as well as simple window maintenance, this could be easily fixed 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 the pry bar and hammer, and chisel. Be sure to remove all nails, extra timber and debris that could hinder the reconstruction of the sash once it's back in place. The sash is then rebuilt with timber splicing in the areas where the rotten timber is found, and epoxy resin used on the remaining sound pieces of wood to create an unbreakable repair.

It is also necessary to re-glaze the window after the sash has been repaired. This is a simple process that can be done with the window closed or open. It is important to remember to lower the sash cords when the sash has been opened. This will stop the weights from falling and breaking. After the sash has been repaired it can be put back in place by hooking the sash cords onto each pulley and putting strip of parting back into place.

Keeping up with regular timber maintenance and sash window maintenance will help prolong the life of your windows as well as reduce the need for costly sash window repairs. In the beginning, sealing your windows and sash doors and repainting regularly will help stop water ingress and damp. Additionally keeping an watch on your wooden trim and checking for areas that are decayed will keep your home in good repair and prevent any expensive repairs to your sash windows.