Sash Window Repair

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

Pam compares her search for replacement weights against horse trading. She eventually finds combinations that are effective. She also sprays the pulley axles with a an oily coating to stop future rattles.

1. Glass that has cracked

Timber windows can develop cracks in the glass and damaged sash cables as time passes. These are typical problems for old sash window, but they can be addressed without replacing the entire window.

Broken window glass can be extremely dangerous, especially for children or elderly people living alone So a damaged window must be fixed as soon as is possible. Mark the area you wish to cut using an eraser prior to laying out the window pane. Then, using a metal straightedge with a glass cutter equipped with a small-wheel, score the cutting line into the glass. Be sure to wear protective glasses and gloves while working with the glass cutter.

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

After covering the glass with tape, remove any cords or chains and the separating beads. Soften the old, hardened glue with a heat gun before scraping it away with a putty knife. Carefully pry off the sash and remove any hardware fixed to it. Label the bag to determine the best place to put it.

If your window sash is stuck halfway up or down it might be due to a damaged pulley system. A professional sash window restorer will replace the pulleys and spring balances, making your window smooth to run again. They can also install draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your timber windows, which will make them more comfortable and reducing energy costs. If you live in a listed home 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 cable in the sash breaks and the window cannot be opened or shut. It is important to inspect your window to determine the cause of the issue if the sash has become stuck or cannot be opened. Once the root of the issue has been determined, a simple fix can be implemented.

The first thing to check is to ensure that the tabs made of metal on either side of the sash have been fitted into the slots of the window frame. If the tabs have a different shape, it could not fit correctly and will cause issues with the window being able to move up or down. A couple of screws can usually be removed to fix this.

The sash on the bottom must be removed and put on a flat surface. The "pockets" are the small doors that are on the left and the right side of the window. They were originally made to fit tightly but have been pinched into place or screwed over time. A sharp utility knife can be used to slice along the paint joint and gently prise them out.

After removing the pockets, it's recommended to look for nails that may be used to hold them in their place. If there aren't any nails, you may try to pull the pockets free. It's a good idea to have someone else hold the window because they can be quite heavy. If there are any nails, you'll need to break them with the blade of a small bar. This can be tricky and sometimes it is easier to replace the nails completely.

The last job is to insert the new sash into the opening, this should be fairly easy after everything is in place. If the sash on the bottom isn't able to be pulled out, it may be necessary to balance the window by attaching a counterweight and retying the old cords. This will require opening up the jambs in order to access the cast iron weights that are inside.

3. Worn Paint

When old paint has deteriorated it can cause rotting and a host of other problems. It can also hide the original design of the window.

If the rot isn't that bad it's possible to sand the affected area and then treat it with a wood softener to consolidate the fibers. After the epoxy filler has dried it is possible to repair the damaged area and shape it to match the surrounding wood. Once the epoxy wood filler is cured, sand the surface smooth, prime it, and Sash windows repair then paint the window to restore it.

Before you begin work before you begin, ensure that the sash is completely open and not stuck in position. After you've painted the lower section of the sash time to assemble 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 will sit in the sash rabbet once it's opened and closed. If the sash isn't completely vertical when you place it back into the rebate of the sash you can secure it with glazier's points.

When you're ready to re-paint, sash windows repair make sure you're using the right kind of paint suitable for sash windows and apply a few coats with either a roller or brush. It is important to maintain a uniform paint thickness so that the final appearance will be uniform across all surfaces.

When you're re-painting the window, be sure to label all the parts so you can return them to their proper locations later on. This is especially helpful when working on multiple sash windows at a time. It is necessary to unscrew any security fittings and remove the staff bead before pulling out the lower sash and removing the cords or chains on both sides. After the sash has been removed it is possible to replace the pockets and parting beads and seal the gaps with decorators caulk and tighten the Sash windows Repair cords. After the job is completed the sash should function smoothly once more.

4. Rotten Timber

Our sash windows repairing team found decayed wood in the sash box and frame during the recent Highgate project. A common issue with older homes, it's important to check that the putty is protecting and sealing the frames and glass - gaps in the frame mean that water can enter and cause decay. It's easy to overlook, particularly when the sash is moving slowly because of grime or high humidity. With a little effort and focus on the putty and a little maintenance on the sash, you can easily fix this before it becomes an issue.

The first step is removing the old timber and replacing it with new wood. You can make use of a pry bar, an axe and hammer to accomplish this. Make sure that the area is clear of any nails, wood or other debris that could hinder the re-construction of the sash once it is put back in place. The sash is rebuilt with timber splicing in the areas where the original rotten timber is, and epoxy resin used on the remaining solid pieces of wood to form an enduring repair timber windows.

Once the sash has been repaired, it is important to re-glaze your window. This is an easy process that can be performed with the window either closed or open. It is important to remember to lower the sash cords in case the sash has been opened. This will stop the weights from falling and breaking. Reinstalling the sash after it's been repaired is simple as simply hooking the cords onto each pulley and then attaching the strip that separates.

Regular maintenance of your timber and sash windows maintenance can aid in prolonging the lifespan of your sash windows, and will reduce the need to make extensive sash repair a window. Painting and caulking your windows, upvc doors repair, and trim will help to prevent water and damp ingress. Also, examining the wood trim for signs of decay and keeping an eye on it on a regular basis will help maintain your home in excellent condition and prevent costly repairs to windows that are sash.