Sash Window Repair

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

Pam likens her pursuit of replacement weights to horse trading- she eventually finds combinations that work. She also sprays the pulley axles with a light coating of lubricant to stop future squeaks.

1. Glass that has cracked

Over time timber windows can be damaged by cracked glass or broken cords for sash. These are typical issues with old sash windows, however they can be fixed without replacing the entire window.

Cracked window glass could be extremely hazardous, especially for children or elderly people living on their own, so a broken pane must be fixed as soon as possible. Mark the area you wish to cut using an eraser prior to laying out the window. Then, you can use a metal straightedge and a glass cutter with the small wheel to cut the cutting line on the glass. Make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves when using the glass cutter.

Once the glass is cut, take it off carefully and put it aside. Then, you can take the sash and place it on a flat surface. Wear thick gloves that are cut-resistant and safety glasses to safeguard yourself. Start by putting an X on the glass using painter's adhesive and then put tape on any areas in which the glass has shattering. This will keep the glass intact while you remove the frame.

After covering the glass with tape remove any chains or cords and the parting beads. Heat gun to soften the hardened putty and scrape with the blade of a putty. Carefully remove the sash and take off any hardware fixed to it. Store it in a bag that is labeled so that you know what opening to place it back into.

A damaged pulley system may be the reason for your sash slipping half-way up or down. A professional sash restorer can replace spring balances and pulleys and make your window smooth to run again. They can also add draught-proofing as well as weather-sealing to your timber windows, making them more comfortable and reducing energy costs. If you reside in a listed building or conservation zone, they can install more energy efficient slimline double glazing into your timber frames.

2. Broken Sash

Sash windows are designed to open up for fresh air. However, they can become stuck with time. This is usually the case 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 source of the issue when the sash is stuck or cannot be opened. Once the root cause is identified an easy fix can be made.

The first thing to verify is to ensure that the tabs made of metal on each side of the sash are fitted into the slots in the window frame. If the tabs are a different shape it may not fit properly and cause issues with the window being able to be moved up or down. A few screws can be removed to fix this.

The sash on the bottom must be removed and put on an even surface. You'll notice a tiny door repairman near me on the right and left sides of the window, these are called "pockets." These were originally designed to be a snug fit however they have been pinched or screwed to the wall over time. Utilize a knife to carefully slice along the paint joints, then gently pry them out.

After taking the pockets out, it's a good idea to check for nails that may have been used to hold them in their place. If there aren't any you can simply try to lever them free - it helps to have someone help hold the window up as they can be rather heavy. If you find nails, you will require the blade on a small pry bar to break the nail heads - this can be quite tricky and often it's simpler to just replace them completely.

The last job is to insert the new sash in the opening, this should be fairly easy after you have everything in place. If the sash at the bottom isn't able to be pulled out it is possible to balance the window by attaching a counterweight and reconnecting the old cords. To do this, you will need to open the jambs and access the cast-iron weights.

3. Wear and tear Paint

When old paint has worn away, it can lead to rotting and a host of other problems. It could also obscure the original design of the window.

If the rot isn't too bad, it may be possible to sand the affected area prior to applying an abrasive to bind the fibers. After the epoxy filler is dry and is cured, you can fix the damaged area and form it to match surrounding wood. Once the filler has cured and smooth, sand it, prime and then paint the window.

Before you start working ensure that the sash is open and isn't stuck in position. After you've finished painting your lower portion, it's time to assemble the sash again 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 when it's opened and closed. If the sash does not sit vertically in the rebate when you insert it, you can use glazier's suggestions to secure it.

When you're ready to re-paint ensure that you're using the correct type of paint for windows with sash and apply a few coats with either a roller or brush. It is essential to maintain a uniform thickness of paint so that the finish will be consistent across every surface.

Label all the parts when you are painting your window. This will allow you to place them in the correct location later. This is particularly helpful when working on multiple sash windows at a time. Remove the staff bead, and remove all security fittings prior to taking off the lower sash. After the sash has been removed and damaged the sash is removed, you can replace the pockets and beads for parting, seal along gaps with decorators caulk, and re-tighten sash cords. When the task is complete your sash should be functioning smoothly once more.

4. Rotten Timber

On a recent job in Highgate, our sash window team encountered rotten timber within the frame and box of the sash. It's a common problem with older homes. Verify that the putty still seals and protects the glass frames. A gap here can allow moisture to enter and cause decay. This is easy to overlook, particularly when the sash is moving slowly because of grime or high humidity. With a little time, some focus on the putty and a little maintenance on the sash, you can quickly fix this issue before it becomes a problem.

The first step is to get rid of the decayed wood and replace it with new timber. You can use a combination of a pry bar an axe and hammer to accomplish this. Make sure the area is completely free of nails, timber or debris that may hinder the sash re-construction once it is re-installed. The sash is rebuilt with timber splicing in the areas where the original rotten timber is found, and epoxy resin used on the remaining sound pieces of wood to form an unbreakable repair.

Once the sash is rebuilt, it's time to re-glaze the window. This is a relatively straightforward process and can be done when the window is open or closed. If the sash is open it is essential to lower the sash cords prior to doing this, to avoid lowering the weights and breaking them. When the sash is repaired it can be put back in place by hooking the sash cords back on each pulley and putting strip of parting back into place.

Regular timber maintenance and sash window maintenance will aid in prolonging the lifespan of your sash windows, and will reduce the need to make extensive sash repair. Making a habit of caulking your windows and sash upvc doors repair and repainting regularly will prevent moisture ingress and damp. In addition to this maintaining a close watch on your wooden trim and checking for areas of decay will keep your home in good condition and will avoid costly repairs double glazed windows to your sash window.