Sash Windows Repair
Pam attempts to salvage as much of the original window as is possible. She makes use of a heat gun set on medium, equipped with nozzle shields to soften hardened, old putty (glazing compound) and a putty knife to scrape it off.
She then knots the bottom sash cords to ensure they don't get pulled into the pockets for weights, then takes off the metal hardware. She stores it in a bag with a label.
Repairing the Sash
Old windows made of wood even if well maintained and repaired, might not be able to open or close as easily as they ought to. This problem may be caused by misaligned hardware that is relatively simple to repair or could be the result of wood swelling and contracting due to fluctuating humidity levels. Wood window sash replacement can help make the window operate more smoothly and efficiently.
To remove the lower sash, first locate the wooden peg(s) that connect the stile and rail together. To ensure that the sash is not damaged you can use a soft-faced mallet or hammer to gently separate the rail from the stile. Then, take out the muntins - the horizontal and horizontal pieces of wood that are used to separate the panes of glass. After removing the muntins, lift the sash up and rest it on the table or workbench. Remove the sash cords. Cut them down to the point where they connect.
After the window has been fully cleaned, it's time to start reassembling it. The author employs a small pry bar to apply glazing compound over a stiff-bladed, putty knife. Then, she secures each reassembled window sash using glazier's tips (one on each side). She also adds a sash stopper to prevent it from being completely pulled down.
If you're going to reuse the sash cords, it's a good idea attach the back end of each to a pin or nail protruding from the top of the staff bead. this will hold the weight suspended so that you can connect the other end to the sash. Once the cord has been attached, temporarily pin or nail the weight to the bead. Leave the head protruding so that the weight isn't slipping out of place.
Once the sash is assembled, it should be hung into its frame. The vinyl track can then be put back in place. Finally, the lock terminals are replaced by releasing the pawls on each locking terminal and twisting them in the opposite direction to reset the tension.
Restoring the Frame
The elements can impact on both the exterior and interior of sash windows. It is typical for the frame to be more damaged than the sash. The frame is more susceptible to the elements, especially in older homes where the sills were not sloped like they are today. Water residue can collect on the sill, which could eventually cause the wood to rot. If the rot isn't treated, it may spread to other parts of the frame, and may compromise the structural strength.
A specialist window restoration service can fix your sash windows and improve their energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips to minimize drafts and stop the window from shaking.
Restoring your sash windows can be a better option than replacing them and can also bring a sense of historic significance to your home. A company with a high-end reputation will be able restore your windows and keep them in good condition for many years.
It is crucial to verify that the hardware is functioning properly and that there aren't any leaks prior to trying to repair a sliding sash. If the sash no more is able to open and close, it could require replacement.
Once the sash is removed and the old glazing putty can be scraped off and the frames cleaned down to bare wood if needed. The damaged areas can be repaired with a high quality wood filler such as Expoxy High Build, and sanded to eliminate any bumps or unevenness. After sanding, the repaired area can be primed and then painted to guard against the elements and weather.
The muntins are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that separate each pane from the glass in old sash windows frames can also break loose or fall off. This is usually caused by rotten or soft wood, and can be prevented with regular inspections and regular maintenance. Regularly applying wood preservatives, such as linseed or varnish will help protect the timbers and allow you to identify potential problems before they become serious.
Restoring the Glass
If a window is older, it starts to show signs of wear and tear. The paint could begin to chip, and the wood might start to rot or the glass may break. If this happens, it's time for a sash windows repair.
The sash is a part of the window that contains the glazing bars and the actual glass. The sash is moved up and down to open and close the window. The movement is supported by a system of cords and weights.
Wooden sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning correctly. If not taken care of, the sash could begin to develop mold, mildew or even rot. The sash made of wood will expand and contract with changes in humidity when exposed to the elements. This can cause windows to become stuck or jammed within its frame.
Cleaning the glazing bars and glass and removing any dust or dirt that has accumulated on them is the first step to restore the sash. It's also an excellent opportunity to replace the worn weather strip. If there's no weather strip, you could put one on the bottom of your sash. You can also apply a silicone spray or Teflon to lubricate the pulley axles.
After the sash has been cleaned and reglazed, it's a good idea to check the timber for damage. The wood can be inspected with a screwdriver in order to determine if it is soft or rotten. If it is, the wood will need to be replaced. The new wood is then inserted into the areas of rot and primed and painted.
Another option to enhance the acoustic quality of the window is to make it draught-proofed. This is accomplished by injecting gasses heavy in the gaps between the panes of glass to reduce the amount of air that is able to pass through. This will improve the thermal efficiency and also reduce noise from outside. The addition of draught-proofing could also help reduce cooling and heating bills. This window repairs is especially important in Minnesota where energy bills are quite high. Having your sash windows repaired and draught-proofed can greatly improve the living space.
Restoring the Muntins
Using the right techniques, even damaged muntins can be repaired. First tape strips of painter's tape to the glass. Then apply a coat of slow-setting epoxy to the damaged muntin. When the epoxy has dried then use a scraper to sculpt it into an undamaged profile. Then using a rag soaked in white vinegar, wash the window and sand it smooth before applying a second coat of epoxy.
After repairing the frame, sash and glazing bars, you are now ready to paint the window. At this stage you have the option to purchase a new restoration glass from a retailer or salvage old window panes from an auction house. When searching for glass at a salvage yard try to find glass that is either the right size or 4" larger than your current panes. This will make it much easier to cut the glass.
The upper and lower sashes slide into the frame and are joined by two sets of rails (the horizontal strips that support the sash) and stiles (the vertical pieces that connect them). Sash windows also feature an elaborate arrangement of wood parts: profiled sash horns and sash guts that surround glazing, scotia mouldings, and precision-made parting beads and staff beads. All these parts have to be able to work seamlessly, which requires millimetre-precise gap sizes and a hidden system of pulleys and weights.
When windows are reglazed in order to accommodate insulated glass units, the original stiles and rails, as well as frames are usually routed out to accommodate the more dense glazing. This not only reduces the transparency of individual lights, it can compromise the structural integrity of the sash and lead to damage over time.
To prevent this from happening, many homeowners decide to take off the sash that is currently in place and frame the window instead. This requires a substantial investment, but it's often cheaper than replacing the entire window. It will also preserve your home's heritage features. Furthermore, it won't reduce the energy efficiency of your house. So whether you're in need of a quick fix or looking for a long term investment, restoring sash windows is a great option to consider.