15 Astonishing Facts About Sash Windows Repair
Sash Windows Repair
Pam is determined to save the original window. She uses a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield to soften old, hardened putty (glazing compound) and an ax to scrape it off.
She then knots bottom sash cords so that they don't get pulled into the pockets for weights, then takes off the metal hardware. She stores it in a labeled bag.
Repairing the Sash
Even if they are properly maintained and repaired, old wood windows may not be able to open or close as easily. This issue could be due to an improperly aligned hardware, which is relatively easy to fix. Alternatively, it could be due to the wood shrinking and swelling caused by changes in humidity levels in the surrounding. Replacement of the wood window sash will allow the window to run more smoothly and efficiently.
To take off the lower sash, first find the wooden peg(s) that keep the stile and rail together. To ensure that the sash is not damaged you can use a soft-faced mallet or hammer to gently break the rail from the stile. Then, remove repair timber windows (the horizontal and vertical pieces that divide the glass panes). After you have removed the muntins, raise the sash upwards and rest it on the table or workbench. Remove the sash cords. Cut them below the point they are attached.
After the window has been fully cleaned, it's time to start reassembling it. The author covers each sash reassembled using glazing compound - using the small pry bar over a stiff-bladed putty knife - and then secures them with the glazier's points (one point on each side of the sash). Then, she adds a sash stop to keep it from being pulled completely down.
If you're reusing the sash cords it's a good idea to connect the back end of each to a nail or pin protruding from the top of the staff bead. this will keep the weight suspended so that you can attach the other end to the sash. Once the cord is connected, you can temporarily nail or pin the weight to the bead. Leave the head protruding to ensure that the weight isn't slipping off the bead.
Once the sash is assembled, it is then hung from its frame. The track on vinyl can be put back in place, and finally, the lock terminals can be replaced by releasing each pawl of its locking terminal, then twisting them counterclockwise to reset their tension.
Restoring the Frame
The elements can have a huge impact on both the interior and exterior of your sash windows, and it is often the case that the frame is more deteriorated than the sash. The frame is more susceptible to the elements, particularly in older homes where the sills were not angled as they are today. This can lead to water residue accumulating on the sill that, over time, can cause the wood to begin to rot. If left unattended the rot may extend to the rest of the frame and weaken its structural integrity.
A specialist window restoration company will repair your sash and increase the energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips that prevent drafts from entering the window from shaking.
Restoring your sash window can be a more cost-effective option than replacing them and also add an air of historical significance to your home. A company with a high-end reputation can fix your sash window and maintain them in top condition for a long time.
It is crucial to verify that the hardware works correctly and there are no leaks before attempting to fix the shash. If the sash isn't anymore opens and closes it may require replacement.
After the sash has been removed and the old glazing putty can be scraped away and frames cleaned to bare wood when needed. After repairing the damaged areas with a top-quality wood filler such as Expoxy HighBuild, the frames can be sanded to eliminate any bumps and unevenness. After sanding, the repaired area, it can be primed and then painted to protect it from elements and moisture.
The muntins, the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that separate the panes from the glass in old sash windows frames, can also become loose or fall out. This is usually caused by soft or rotten wood, and can be avoided with regular inspections and maintenance. Regularly applying a wood preservative such as linseed oil or varnish can keep timbers protected, and allow you to identify any potential problems before they become a problem.
Restoring the Glass
When a window becomes old, it begins to show signs of wear. The paint could begin to chip, and the wood might start to rot, or the glass can break. If this happens, it's time to consider sash windows repair.
The sash is an element of the window that contains both the glazing bars and actual glass. The sash can move up and down to open and close the window. The movement is aided by the system of weights and cords.
To keep wooden windows in good condition they must be maintained regularly. Untreated, the sash could begin to develop mildew mold, or rot. Exposure to the elements also causes the wooden sash to expand and shrink with changing humidity. This could cause the window to become stuck or jammed in its frame.
Cleaning and restoring the sash requires cleaning the glass and glazing bar and taking away any sanding dust and dirt that has accumulated on it. This is the perfect time to replace any worn weather strip. If there isn't a weather strip, put one on the bottom of your sash. You can also use a silicone spray or Teflon to grease the pulley axles.
It is a good practice to inspect the wood for any damage after the sash was cleaned and reflared. The wood can be examined with a screwdriver to determine if it's soft or decayed. If it is, the wood will need to be replaced. The wood that has rotted is replaced with fresh timber, primed and painted.
Draught-proofing the window is another way to improve its acoustic properties. This is accomplished by injecting heavy gasses into the gaps between the panes of glass to reduce the amount air that enters through. This can significantly improve the thermal efficiency of the window as well as reduce the noise emanating from outside. Draught-proofing is also a great way to help reduce cooling and heating bills. This is especially important in Minnesota where energy costs can be quite high. The repair of your sash windows and draught-proofed will greatly improve the living space.
Restoring the Muntins
Even damaged muntins can be repaired with the right techniques. First tape strips of painter's tape to the glass. Then, apply a layer of slow-setting epoxy to the damaged muntin. Once the epoxy is dry, use a scraper to create an unharmed profile. Then using a rag that has been soaked in white vinegar, clean the window and smooth before applying a second coat of epoxy.
After fixing the frame and sash, you're ready to replace the glazing bars and paint the window. At this stage you can decide to purchase new restoration glass from a dealer or salvage old window panes from a salvage yard. If you're looking for glass in an old salvage yard, be sure to find panes that are the right size or four inches larger than your current ones. This will make it easier to cut the glass to fit.
The lower and upper frames slide into each other which is joined by two rails (the horizontal strips that hold the sash) and stiles (the vertical pieces that join them). Sash windows have a complex arrangement of wood parts that include sash horns with profiled edges and sash guts which surround the glazing, scotia moldings and precision-made employees beads and parting beads. All of these components must work seamlessly together with precise millimetre-sized gaps, and the use of weights and pulleys hidden within the frame.
When old windows are reglazed in order to accommodate glass that is insulated, the original stiles, rails and frames are often removed in order to accommodate the more dense glazing. This not only reduces the transparency of individual lights, it can also affect the structural integrity of the sash and cause the sash becoming damaged over time.
Many homeowners decide to remove the sash and frame their window. Although this will require significant investment but it's typically less expensive than replacing the entire window. It can also preserve your home's historic features. Moreover, it will not compromise the overall energy efficiency of your home. Sash window restoration can be a great option for you, whether you are looking for a quick fix or a long-term investment.