Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can become old and unreliable. They may leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can restore them to their original condition and then apply a fresh coat of paint.

Pam compares her search for replacement weights to horse trading- she eventually finds combinations that work. She also sprays the pulleys with a an oily coating to stop future noises.

1. Glass that has cracked

Timber windows may develop cracks in the glass as well as damaged sash cables as time passes. These are common problems with old sash windows, however they can be fixed without replacing the entire window repair man.

Cracked window glass can be very dangerous, especially for children or elderly individuals living on their own So a damaged window must be fixed as quickly as possible. Mark the area you want to cut with a marker before placing the window pane. Then, using a straightedge and glass cutters that have a small-wheel, score the cutting line on the glass. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with the glass cutter.

After the glass has been cut, take it off carefully and windows repairs set aside. Then, place the sash on the flat surface. Protect yourself by wearing thick cut-proof gloves and a pair of safety glasses. Tape the glass in a shape that is X using painter's masking tape. Also, tape any broken glass. This will keep the glass intact while you remove the frame.

After covering the glass with tape, remove any chains or cords and the separating beads. Heat gun to soften the old putty and scrape with the putty blade. Remove any hardware that is attached to the sash by taking it off. Store it in a labeled bag so that you know what opening to put it back into.

If your sash is stuck half way up or down, it could be due to a damaged pulley system. Professionally trained sash window restorers can fix the spring balances and pulleys in order to make your window easier to operate. They can also add draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your old timber windows, making them warmer and lessening your energy bills. If you reside in a listed property or conservation area, they may also install more energy efficient slimline double glazing in your timber frames.

2. Broken Sash

While sash windows are intended to let fresh air, with time they can get stuck. This usually happens when a sash cable is damaged and the window can't be opened or shut. If the sash is stuck or can no longer be opened it is important to inspect the window to determine the root of the issue. Once the cause of the problem has been discovered it is possible to come up with an easy solution.

Make sure the tabs of metal at the top and bottom of the sash have been put into the slots in the window frame. If the tabs have a different shape and size, they may not fit correctly. This could cause the window to be unable to be raised or lowered. In most cases, a few simple screws are required to correct this.

Next it's a good idea to take the bottom sash out and place it on an even surface. The "pockets" are the tiny doors on the left and the right side of the window. They were designed to fit snugly however they have been pinned into place or screwed over the years. A sharp knife can be used to cut along the joint of paint and gently remove them.

After removing the pockets it's an excellent idea to look for nails that may be used to hold them in the first place. If there aren't any, you can try to pull them free - it helps to have someone to help hold the window in place as they can be quite heavy. If there are nails you must use the blade on a small pry bar to break the nail heads. This can be quite difficult and sometimes it's easier to replace them all.

The final task is to insert the new sash into the opening, this is fairly simple after everything is in place. If the sash on the bottom cannot be pulled out it is possible to rebalance the window attaching a counterweight and reconnecting the old cords. To do this, you will 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 the paint has worn away. In some instances it may also obscure the window's original style and appearance, so it's always recommended to have it replaced before things get too far.

If the rot isn't too severe it's possible to clean the affected area and then treat it with a wood softener to strengthen 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 wood. After the epoxy wood filler is cured then sand the surface until it is smooth, prime and then paint the window to restore it.

Make sure that the sash has been completely opened and isn't stuck. After you've finished painting your lower portion, it's time to reassemble the sash 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's opened and closed. If the sash doesn't sit vertically in the rebate after you insert it then you can use glazier's tips to ensure it is secured.

When you are ready to repaint, use the correct kind of paint for your sash windows. Apply several coats using brushes or rollers. It is essential to keep a uniform paint thickness to ensure that the final look will be consistent 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 proper place later on. This is particularly useful when you're working on multiple windows that have sash on them simultaneously. Remove the staff bead, and remove all security fittings prior to removing the lower sash. You can replace the pockets and the partitioning bead, seal the gaps with decorators' caulk and then tighten the sash cords once you remove the sash. Once the job is complete, your sash window should be functioning again.

4. Rotten Timber

During a recent project in Highgate, our sash window team encountered decayed wood in the frame and box of the sash. A common issue in older homes, it's important to make sure that the putty is sealing and protecting the frames and glass - a gap here means moisture could 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. With a little patience and a little attention to the putty and some simple maintenance for the sash, you will be able to quickly fix this issue before it becomes an issue.

The first step is to remove the rotten wood and replace it with new timber. This can be accomplished with the pry bar, hammer and chisel. Be sure to remove all nails, extra wood and other debris that could hinder the reconstruction of the sash after it's put back in its place. The sash is rebuilt using timber splicing into the areas where the original decayed timber is and epoxy resin applied on the remaining sound pieces of wood to create an enduring repair.

Once the sash is repaired, it is important to re-glaze the window repaire. It's a fairly simple procedure that can be completed when the window repairs near me is open or closed. 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. Reinstalling the sash after it's been repaired is easy as putting the cords onto each pulley, and putting back the parting strips.

Maintaining a regular schedule for maintenance of your timber and sash windows repair window maintenance will help prolong the life of your windows as well as lessen the need for major repairs to sash windows. Getting into the habit of caulking around your windows and sash doors and repainting regularly will prevent water ingress and damp. Also, examining your trims made of wood for signs of decay and keeping an eye on it on a regular basis will help keep your home in good condition and save you money on sash windows repairs.