Sash Windows Repair
Pam is determined to save the original window. She uses a heat gun set on medium and equipped with a nozzle shield to soften hardened, old putty (glazing compound) and a putty knife to scrape it away.
She then ties the sash cords on the bottom to keep them from slipping into weight pockets and removes its hardware. She then puts it in a bag with a label.
Repairing the Sash
Old wood windows, even when well maintained and repaired, might not be able to open or close as smoothly as they should. This problem may be caused by an improperly aligned hardware that is an easy fix or it could be the result of the wood's swelling and contraction due to fluctuating humidity levels. Wood window sash replacement can make windows work more efficiently and smoothly.
To take off the lower sash, first find the wooden peg(s) that connect the stile and rail together. Then using a mallet or soft-faced hammer (to protect the sash) take care to gently separate the stile and rail. Next, remove the muntins, which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that divide the glass panes. Once the muntins are removed take the sash off and place it on a table or workbench. Then, you can remove the sash cords from their pulleys, and cut them in the area below the point where they connect to the staff bead.
Once the window has been fully cleaned, it's time to begin reassembling it. The author uses a small pry bar to apply glazing compound using a stiff-bladed, putty knife. Then, she attaches each window sash that has been reassembled by using glazier's tips (one on each side). She also adds a sash stopper to prevent it from being pulled completely down.
Reusing the sashcords is a great idea. Attach the back end of the cord to an anchor or pin that protrudes from the top of the bead. This will help hold the weight in place so you can tie the opposite end to the sash. Once the cord is connected, you can temporarily pin or nail the weight to the bead. The head should remain protruding to ensure that the weight isn't slipping out of place.
After the sash has been reassembled, it is then hung from its frame. The track made of vinyl can be put back in place. Finally, the terminals for the lock are replaced by releasing the pawls on each terminal, twisting them in the opposite direction to reset the tension.
Restoring the Frame
The elements can have an impact on both the interior and exterior of sash windows. It is typical for the frame to be more damaged than the sash. This is due to the fact that the frame is exposed to the elements particularly in older homes where the sills are old and don't slope like modern ones. Water residue can collect on the sill, which can eventually cause the wood to decay. If the rot isn't treated, it could spread to other parts of the frame and weaken the structural integrity.
A specialist window restoration service can repair your sash windows, and increase their energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips that minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling.
Restoring your sash window can be a better alternative to replacing them, and can also bring a sense of history to your home. A company of high quality will be able restore your sash window and maintain them in the best condition for years to come.
Before you attempt to repair a sash windows it is important to make sure the hardware is working properly and that there are no leaks. If the sash can't be shut and opened it could need to be replaced.
After removing the sash, the old glazing putty needs to be removed and the frames cleaned to bare wood if necessary. The damaged areas can be repaired with a high quality wood filler like Expoxy High Build, and sanded to eliminate any bumps or unevenness. After sanding, your repaired area can be primed, and then painted to guard against the elements and weather.
The muntins, the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that separate the panes from the glass in old sash window frames are also prone to becoming loose or fall out. This is typically caused by rotten or soft wood, and can be prevented with regular inspections and maintenance. Regular application of wood preservatives like linseed oil, or varnish can keep the timbers safe and allow you to identify any potential issues before they become serious.
Restoring the Glass
When a window becomes old, it starts to begin to show signs of wear. The paint can begin to chip, the wood may start to rot, or the glass can break. If this happens, it's time for a sash windows repair.
The sash is a part of the window which houses the glazing bars and the actual glass itself. The sash is moved up and down to open and shut the window. This movement is supported by the system of weights and cords.
To keep wooden windows in good shape They must be maintained regularly. If not treated, the sash may start to develop mildew, mold, or rot. The wooden sash will also expand and contract as a result of changes in humidity when exposed to the elements. This could cause the window frame to get stuck or blocked.
Cleaning and restoring the sash requires cleaning the glass and glazing bar and taking away any sanding dust and dirt that has collected on it. This is the perfect time to replace any worn weather strip. If there is no weather strip to be installed, it can be attached to the bottom of the sash, and the silicone or Teflon spray can be used to lubricate the pulley axles.
After the sash is cleaned and reglazed, it's an ideal time to inspect the timber for any damage. The wood can be examined using a screwdriver to determine if it's soft or rotten. If so, the wood will need to be replaced. The new wood is then inserted into the rotted areas and primed and painted.
Draught-proofing windows is a different method to improve its acoustic qualities. This is accomplished by injecting heavy gases into the gaps between the glass panes to limit the amount of air that is able to pass through. This can significantly improve the thermal efficiency of the window and reduce noise from outside. The addition of draught-proofing could also help reduce heating and cooling costs. This is particularly relevant in Minnesota where energy bills can be very high. Having your sash windows repaired and draught-proofed could make a big difference to the quality of your home.
Restoring the Muntins
Using the right techniques using the right techniques, even damaged muntins can be restored. First apply painter's tape to the glass. Apply a slow-setting epoxy layer to the damaged muntin. Once the epoxy is dry, use a scraper and create an ideal profile. Then, using a rag dampened in white vinegar, scrub 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. You can either purchase new restoration glass at this point through a dealer, or you can salvage old panes of glass from a salvage yard. When searching for glass at an estate sale, look for glass that is either the correct size or 4" larger than your current panes. This will allow you to trim the glass to fit.
The upper and lower sashes are joined by two sets of rails which are horizontal strips that hold them in their place. Stiles are the vertical pieces that connect the two. Sash windows also feature a sophisticated arrangement of timber components: sash horns with a profile and sash guts that surround glazing, scotia mouldings, and precision-made staff and parting beads. All these parts must be in sync, demanding millimetre-precise gaps and a system of pulleys and weights concealed in the frame.
When windows from the past are reglazed with insulated glass units double glazing window repairs the original rails and stiles typically are cut out to accommodate the greater thickness of the new glass. This can not only reduce the transparency of the individual lighting bulbs, but it can also weaken the structural integrity and lead to damage over time.
To avoid this, many homeowners choose to remove the existing sash and reframe the window instead. While this may require an investment of some amount but it's typically less expensive than replacing the entire window and will help preserve your home's heritage features. Moreover, it will not compromise the overall energy efficiency of your house. Therefore, whether you're in search of a short term solution or are seeking a long term investment, restoring sash windows is an excellent alternative to consider.