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 state and give them a new coat of paint.

Pam examines her search for replacement weights against horse trading. She is able to find combinations that work. She sprays a thin layer of lubricant on the pulleys to prevent any future squeaks.

1. Cracked Glass

Over time timber windows can suffer from cracked glass and broken cords for sash. These are common issues in old sash windows, but luckily they can usually be repaired without having to replace the window.

A damaged window can be dangerous, especially to children or elderly living on their own. It is important to repair it as soon as you can. The first step is to place the window pane on a flat work surface and sash windows repair mark it with a marker on the area you'd like to cut. Then, using a straightedge with glass cutters that have a small-wheel, score the cutting line on the glass. Be sure to wear protective glasses and gloves while using 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 a flat surface. Wear thick gloves, cut-resistant gloves, and safety glasses to safeguard yourself. Tape the glass in an form of an X using 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 securing the glass and sash using tape, take off the parting beads, as well as the cords and chains. Soften the old, hardened putty with a heat gun before scraping it away with a putty knife. Carefully pry off the sash and take off any hardware connected to it. Label the bag to know the best place to put it.

If your sash is stuck half way up or down it might be due to a broken pulley system. A professional sash window restorer will replace the pulleys and spring balances and make your window smooth to operate again. They can also add draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your timber windows, which will make them warmer and reducing your utility costs. If you live in an area that is listed as a conservation area the company can put slimline double glaze window repair-glazing into your timber frames. This will make them more energy efficient.

2. Broken Sash

While sash windows are intended to open up to fresh air, with time they may become stuck. This is typically because the sash cord is damaged and the window cannot longer be closed or opened. If the sash is stuck or cannot no longer be opened it is important to inspect the window to figure out the reason behind the issue. Once the root cause has been determined, a simple fix can be made.

The first thing you need to check is that the metal tabs on each side of the sash are placed into the window frame slots. If the tabs are a different shape it may not fit properly and cause problems with the window being able to move up or down. A few simple screws can be removed to fix this.

Next it's a good idea to take the bottom sash out and place it on an even surface. There is a small door repairman near me on the right and left sides of the window. These are referred to as "pockets." They were originally made to be snug fitting however, they have been pinched or screwed into place in the past. Make use of a utility knife to carefully slice through the joints of paint and then gently pry them out.

After removing the pockets it's recommended to look for nails that could have been used to keep them in place. If there's no nails, you can try to pull them out - it's helpful to have someone else to hold the window as they can be quite heavy. If there are any nails, you will need to break them using the blade of a small pry-bar. This can be tricky and it is sometimes simpler to replace the nails altogether.

Once you have all the pieces put in place then the final step is to attach the sash. This should be a fairly simple job. If the sash on the bottom cannot be pulled out it could be necessary to rebalance the window attaching a counterweight, and then retying the old cords. To accomplish this, you'll need to open the jambs and access the cast-iron weights.

3. Paint that is worn Paint

If the paint on your windows has worn away and the window is damaged, it could lead to the window becoming rotten and cause other problems. In some cases it could even obscure the window's original design and appearance, so it's a good idea to get it replaced before things go too far.

If the rot isn't too severe it's possible to sand the affected area and treat it with a hardener for wood to strengthen the fibers. When it's dry, you can use a high-quality epoxy wood filler to repair the damaged areas and then shape to match the wood. Once the epoxy wood filler has cured, sand the surface smooth, prime, and then paint the window to restore it.

Before you begin work before you begin, ensure that the sash is fully open and not stuck in the frame. After you've painted the lower part of the sash, it's time to assemble 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 after you put it in, you can use glazier's suggestions to secure it.

If you're ready to repaint, use the correct kind of paint for your sash windows. Apply several coats with either a brush or roller. It is essential to keep a uniform paint thickness so that the final appearance will be uniform across all surfaces.

When you're re-painting the window, make sure you label each part so that you can return them to their proper locations later on. This is especially useful when you're working on multiple windows with sash in one go. It is necessary to unscrew any security fittings, and then remove the staff bead prior to pulling out the lower sash and removing the cords or chains on both sides. Once the sash is taken off, you'll be able to replace the pockets and parting beads, seal along gaps with decorators caulk and windows repairing tighten the sash's cords. After the job is completed, your Sash Windows repair should be functioning smoothly again.

4. Rotten Timber

In a recent project in Highgate, our sash window team came across decayed timber in the sash frame and the box. It's a common problem with older homes. Verify that the putty still seals and protects the glass frames. A gap in the frame can let moisture in and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, particularly when the sash moves slow due to grime or high humidity. But with a little patience and a little care for the wood putty, and simple sash window maintenance, this could be fixed before it becomes a problem.

The first step is to remove the rotten wood and replace it with new timber. You can make use of a prybar, an axe, and hammer to accomplish this. Be sure to remove all nails, any extra wood and other debris that could hinder the reconstruction of the sash once it's put back in place. The sash will be rebuilt with timber splicing to replace the decayed wood and epoxy resin on the remaining pieces of solid wood.

It's also important to re-glaze the window once the sash is rebuilt. This is a simple procedure that can be completed when the window is open or closed. If the sash is open, it's vital to remember to lower the sash cords prior doing so, to avoid dropping the weights down and breaking them. Reinstalling the sash after it's been repaired can be as simple as hooking the cords to each pulley, and putting back the parting strips.

Keeping up with regular timber maintenance and sash window maintenance will help prolong the life of your windows as well as lessen the need for major sash window repairs. Painting and caulking your windows, doors repair and trim will help to prevent water and damp ingress. In addition, checking your wooden trim for signs of decay and keeping an eye on it regularly will help you keep your home in good condition and save you money on repairs to sash windows.