Sash Window Repair

When sash windows get old they may become less reliable and start to leak or make noises. Sash window specialists can bring them to their original state and then apply a fresh coat of paint.

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

1. Cracked Glass

Over time, wooden windows may be affected by cracked glass and broken sash cords. These are common issues in old sash windows. However, it is usually possible to repaired without having to replace the window.

Broken window glass can be extremely dangerous, especially for children or elderly people living on their own A damaged or broken 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, you can use a metal straightedge and a glass cutter using the small wheel to cut the cutting line on the glass. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with the glass cutter.

Once the cut is made, carefully remove the glass and place it in a safe place. Next, remove the sash and place it on a flat work surface. Wear thick gloves, cut-resistant gloves, and safety glasses to protect yourself. Begin by putting an X on the glass using painter's tape. You can also place tape over any areas where the glass has cracked. This will aid in keeping the broken glass in one piece while you remove it from the frame.

After protecting the glass using tape, remove any chains or cords and the parting beads. The heat gun will soften the old hardened putty, then scrape it off with the blade of a putty. Remove any hardware attached to the sash by prying it off. Place it in a clearly bag with a label so that you know which opening to put it back into.

If your sash is stuck half way up or down, it could be due to a broken pulley system. A professional sash window restorer will replace spring balances and pulleys to make your window easy to operate again. They can also install draught-proofing and weather-sealing to your old timber windows, making them warmer and lessening your utility costs. If you reside in a listed home or conservation area, they may also install more energy efficient slimline double glazing in your timber frames.

2. Broken Sash

Sash windows are designed to open up to fresh air, over time they can get stuck. This usually happens because the sash cord is damaged and the window cannot longer be closed or opened. It is crucial to check your window to determine the cause of the issue if the sash has become stuck or isn't able to be opened. Once the cause has been determined, a simple fix can be made.

Check that the metal tabs at the top and bottom of the sash are inserted into the slots of the frame of the window. If the tabs are of a different shape and size, they may not fit properly. This could cause the window to be incapable of being moved up or down. In most cases, a few simple screws are needed to fix this.

The next step is to pull the bottom sash out and set it on a flat surface. The "pockets" are the small doors that are on the left and right side of the window. They were designed to fit snugly, but have been pinned into place or screwed throughout the years. Utilize a knife to carefully cut along the paint joints, then gently pry them away.

Examine the nails that secure the pockets. If there are no nails, you may try to lever the pockets free. It is helpful to have someone to hold the window as they can be quite heavy. If there are any nails, you'll have to break them with the blade of a small bar. This can be difficult and sometimes it is simpler to replace the nails altogether.

Once you have all the pieces put in place then the final step is to put in the sash. This is a relatively simple job. If the bottom sash is unable to be pulled out, it might need to be balanced by attaching a new counterweight and re-tying old cords. To do this, you will have to remove the jambs and then access the cast-iron weights.

3. Worn Paint

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

If rot isn't too bad, you might be able to remove the affected area and treat it with a hardener for wood to help consolidate the fibers. After the epoxy filler is dry it is possible to repair the damaged area and shape it to match the surrounding wood. Once the epoxy wood filler has dried then sand the surface until it is smooth, prime and then paint the window to restore it.

Check that the sash has been fully opened and isn't stuck. After you've finished painting your lower section, it's now 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 is placed in the sash recess when it's opened and closed. If the sash doesn't sit completely vertical when you insert it back into the sash rebate you can fix it using glazier's points.

When you're ready to re-paint make sure you're using the correct type of paint suitable for sash windows and apply a few coats using a brush or roller. It's important to keep an even thickness of paint so that the finish will appear consistent across all surfaces.

If you're painting a window, make sure you label all the parts so you can return them to their proper locations later on. This is particularly useful when you're working on multiple windows with sash in one go. Take off the staff bead and take off all security fittings before taking off the lower sash. You can replace the pockets and the parting bead, close gaps using decorators' caulk and then tighten the sash cords after removing the sash. After the job is completed, your sash should be functioning smoothly again.

4. Rotten Timber

On a recent job in Highgate, our sash window team encountered decayed timber in the frame and box of the sash. This is a common issue in 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 can be easy to overlook, particularly when the sash doesn't move as easily because of high humidity or grime build up. But with a little patience, a little care and care for the wood putty, along with simple sash window maintenance, this could be easily corrected before it becomes an issue.

The first step is to remove the decayed timber and replacing it with fresh wood. This can be done using pry bar and hammer, and chisel. Make sure the area is completely free of nails, additional timber or other debris that could hinder the re-construction of the sash after it is back in place. The sash is rebuilt using timber splicing in order to replace the rotten wood and epoxy resin on the remaining pieces of sound wood.

It is also essential to re-glaze the window after the sash is rebuilt. This is a relatively straightforward procedure and fittings can be accomplished with the window open or closed. If the sash is opened it is important to remember to lower the sash cords prior doing so, to avoid dropping the weights down and breaking them. Reinstalling the sash once it's been repaired is easy as putting the cords onto each pulley and then putting back the parting strips.

Making sure you are keeping up with regular maintenance on your timbers and sash windows maintenance will help prolong the life of your windows as well as lessen the need for major sash window repairs. Caulking and painting your windows, sash doors and trim can help to prevent water and damp ingress. In addition, checking the wood trim for signs of decay and keeping an eye on it on a regular basis will help keep your home in great condition and prevent costly repairs to windows that are sash.