Sash Window Repair

When sash windows get old they can lose their sturdiness and begin to leak or make noises. Sash window experts can restore them to their original state and then apply a fresh coat of paint.

Pam examines her search for replacement weights to horse trading. She comes up with combinations that work. She sprays a thin layer oil on the pulleys to prevent future squeaks.

1. Glass that has cracked

Over time, wooden repairing upvc windows may be damaged by cracked glass or broken cords of sash. These are typical problems for older sash windows, however luckily they can usually be repaired without having to replace the window.

Cracked window glass 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 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. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with the glass cutter.

After the glass has been cut, remove it carefully and put it aside. Then, you can take the sash and place it on a flat work surface. Be sure to protect yourself by wearing thick cut-proof gloves as well as glasses for safety. Tape the glass in an 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 when you remove it from the frame.

After securing the glass and sash using tape, remove the separating beads and the cords or chains. Soften the old, sash window repairs hardened glue with a heat gun before scraping it off using a putty knife. Carefully pry off the sash and take off any hardware fixed to it. Label the bag to determine where to put it.

A broken pulley mechanism could be the reason behind your sash slipping half-way either direction. A professional sash restorer can replace spring balances and pulleys, making your window smooth to run again. They can also provide weather-sealing and draught proofing to your old wooden windows, making them more comfortable and reducing your energy bill. If you live in an area that is listed as an area designated as a conservation zone, the company can install double-glazing that is slimline into your timber frames. This will make windows more energy efficient.

2. Broken Sash

While sash windows are intended to open up to fresh air, with time they can get stuck. This is usually the case when a sash cable breaks and the window is unable to be shut or opened. It is important to inspect your window to determine the cause of the problem in the event that the sash becomes stuck or cannot be opened. Once the root cause has been identified, a simple fix can be made.

Make sure the tabs of metal at the top and bottom of the sash are inserted into the slots of the window frame. If the tabs have a different shape, it could not fit properly and cause problems with the window being able to move up or down. A few simple screws can usually be removed to correct this.

Next it's a good idea to take the bottom sash out and set it on flat surfaces. You'll notice a tiny door repair on the right and left sides of the window. These are known as "pockets." They were originally made to be snug fitting however many have been pinched or screwed into place in the past. Make use of a utility knife to carefully cut along the paint joints, then gently pull them out.

After removing the pockets it's recommended to look for nails that may have been used to hold them in their place. If there are no nails, you can try to pull the pockets free. It's helpful to have someone to hold the window because they can be quite heavy. If there are any nails, you'll have to break them using the blade of a small bar. This can be difficult and sometimes, it's easier to replace the nails altogether.

The last job is to insert the new sash in the opening. This should be fairly easy after everything is in place. If the sash at the bottom is still not able to be pulled out it might need to be balanced by attaching a new counterweight and then re-tying 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, as well as other issues, when old paint wears away. It can also hide the original design of the window.

If the rot is not so bad, it could be possible to sand the affected area prior to treating it with a wood-hardener to consolidate fibers. When it's dry you can apply a high-quality epoxy wood filler to repair the damaged areas and then shape them to match the surrounding wood. Once the filler is cured and smooth, sand it, prime and then paint to repair the window.

Make sure that the sash has been completely opened and is not 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 that the sash is placed in the recess of the sash when it's closed and opened. If the sash does not sit vertically in the rebate when you insert it, you can use glazier's suggestions to fix it.

If you're ready to repaint, you must use the right type of paint for your windows with sash. Apply a few coats using a roller or brush. It is important to maintain an even thickness of paint so that the final appearance will be consistent across all surfaces.

If you're painting a window, make sure you label all the parts so you can put them back in their proper places later on. This is especially important when working on multiple windows at the same time. It is necessary to unscrew any security fittings and remove the staff bead prior to pulling out the lower sash and taking off the chains or cords on both sides. You can replace the pockets and parting bead, seal gaps with caulk for decorators, and then tighten the sash cords after removing the sash. Once the work is done, your sash should be working smoothly again.

4. Rotten Timber

During a recent project in Highgate, our sash window team encountered decayed wood in the sash frame and the box. A common issue with older homes, it's important to ensure that the putty is still sealing and protecting the glass and frames - any gaps here mean moisture can seep in and cause decay. This can be easy to overlook, particularly when the sash moves reluctantly because of high humidity or grime build up. But, with a bit of time, a little care and focus on the timber putty, sash window repairs along with some simple sash window maintenance, this issue can be easily fixed before it becomes a problem.

The first step is to remove the rotten wood and replace it with fresh timber. You can make use of a prybar, hammer and an axe to accomplish this. Make sure that the area is free of nails, timber or debris that may hinder the re-construction of the sash after it is re-installed. The sash will be rebuilt with timber splicing to replace the rotten wood and epoxy resin on the remaining pieces of solid wood.

After the sash has been rebuilt, it's time to re-glaze the window. It's a simple procedure that can be carried out with the window either closed or open. If the sash is open it is essential to lower the sash cords prior to doing this, so that you avoid lowering the weights and breaking them. Reinstalling the sash once it has been repaired is easy as putting the cords to each pulley, and attaching the strip that separates.

Maintaining a regular schedule for maintenance on your timbers and sash windows maintenance can extend the life of your windows and lessen the need for major repairs to upvc doors to sash windows. Making a habit of sealing your windows and sash doors and repainting them regularly, will help stop moisture ingress and damp. In addition to this keeping an eye on your wooden trim and examining for areas of decay, will keep your home in good shape and prevent any costly sash window repairs.