Sash Windows Repair
Pam tries to salvage as much of the original window as she can. She employs a heat gun set to medium, with a nozzle guard to soften the old, hardened glazing compound (putty) and then a putty knife to scrape the old compound off.
She then knots the bottom sash cords so that they don't pull into the pockets for weights, and then removes the metal hardware. She then stores the bag in a container with a label.
Repairing the Sash
Even when properly maintained and repaired, old wood windows may not be able to open or close as easily. This could be due to the hardware being misaligned and is relatively simple to fix, or it could be the result of the wood's shrinking and swelling due to changes in humidity levels in the environment. Wood window sash replacement can make windows work more efficiently and smoothly.
To take off the lower sash, locate the wooden pegs that hold the rail to the stile. Then using a mallet, or a soft-faced hammer (to avoid damage to the sash) take care to gently separate the stile and rail. Then, remove the muntins (the horizontal and vertical pieces that are what separate the glass panes). Once the muntins are removed take the sash off and rest it on a table or workbench. Then, take the sash cords from their pulleys, and cut them through below where they are attached to the staff bead.
Once the window has been completely cleaned, it's time to begin reassembling the window. The author uses a small pry bar to apply glazing compound on a stiff-bladed, putty knife. Then, she secures each reassembled window sash by using the tips of a glazier (one on each side). In the end, she puts on a sash stop to keep it from being completely pulled down.
Reusing the sashcords is a great idea. Tie the back end of the cord to the bead with a nail or pin that protrudes from the top of the bead. This will hold the weight in place so you can tie the opposite end to the sash. Once the cord is attached, temporarily nail or pin the weight to the bead. Keep the head protruding so that the load does not slip off the bead.
After the sash is assembled, it is placed in its frame. The vinyl track can then be put back in place. Finally, the lock terminals are replaced by releasing the pawls on each 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 windows with sash. It is common for the frame to become more deteriorated that the sash. This is because the frame is exposed to the weather, especially in older homes where the sills are original and do not slope as modern ones. The water residue can accumulate on the sill, which could eventually cause the wood to begin to rot. If left unattended the rot may extend to the rest of the frame and compromise the structural integrity of the frame.
A specialist window restoration service can fix your sash windows, and increase their energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips to minimize drafts and stop the window from shaking.
The restoration of your sash windows can be more cost effective than replacement and will give a touch of the past to your home. A company of high quality can fix your sash window and keep them in the best condition for years to come.
It is crucial to verify that the hardware functions properly and that there aren't any leaks prior to attempting to fix a sash. If the sash isn't anymore is able to open and close, it could require replacement completely.
After removing the sash the old glazing putty must be scraped off and frames cleaned to naked wood if required. The damaged areas can be repaired using a top quality wood filler like Expoxy High Build, and sanded to remove any bumps or unevenness. After sanding the repaired area, it can be primed and then painted to protect it from moisture and elements.
The muntins, which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wooden that separate the panes from the glass in old sash windows frames can also break loose or fall off. This is typically caused by decayed wood or soft wood and can be prevented through regular inspections and maintenance. Regularly applying a wood preserver like linseed oil, or varnish can keep timbers protected, and allow you to spot any issues that could be present before they become too serious.
Restoring the Glass
If a window is older, it starts to show signs of wear and tear. Paint may chip, wood can rot or glass can break. If this happens, it's time for a sash windows repair.
The sash is the part of the window that houses the glazing bars and the actual glass. The sash can move upwards and downwards to open and close the window. The movement is aided by cords and weights.
To keep wooden sash windows in good condition, they need to be maintained regularly. If not taken care of, the sash could begin to develop mildew, mold or become rotten. Exposure to the elements also causes the sash of wood to shrink and expand in response to changes in humidity. This can cause the window frame to get stuck or blocked.
Cleaning the glass and glazing bars and taking away any dirt or dust collected on them is the first step in restoring the sash. It is also a good opportunity to replace the weather strip that has worn out. If there's no weather strip, you can add one to the bottom of your sash. You can also use a silicone spray or Teflon to grease the pulley axles.
After the sash has been cleaned and reglazed, it's a good idea to check the timber for any damage. The wood can be examined with a screwdriver in order 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 new wood primed and then painted.
Draught-proofing your window is a further method to improve its acoustic qualities. This is done by injecting heavy gasses into the gaps between the glass panes to limit window repairman the amount of air that is able to pass through. This can improve the thermal efficiency and reduce noise from the outside. Draught-proofing can also help reduce heating and cooling costs. This is especially true in Minnesota where energy costs are very high. Repairing your sash windows and draught-proofed could be a huge improvement to the comfort of your home.
Restoring the Muntins
If you use the right techniques, even damaged muntins can be repaired. The first step is to shield the glass with strips of painter's tape. Apply a slow-setting epoxy layer to the damaged muntin. Once the epoxy is dry then, you can scrape it with a sandpaper and create the perfect profile. Finally, wipe the window clean with a rag dampened with white vinegar and sand it smooth before applying another coat of epoxy.
After repairing the frame and sash, it's time to replace the glazing bars and paint the window. You can either buy new restoration glass from a dealer, or salvage old panes glass from a salvage yard. If you're looking for glass in a salvage yard, make sure you look for panes that are the proper size or 4 inches larger than the ones you have now. This will make it much easier to trim the glass.
The lower and upper sashes are held together by two sets rails, which are horizontal strips that keep them in place. Stiles are the vertical pieces that join the two. Sash windows also feature an elaborate arrangement of wood parts: profiled sash horns and sash guts that surround glazing, scotia mouldings, and precisely-crafted parting beads and staff beads. All these parts have to be in sync, requiring millimetre-specific 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 often routed out to accommodate the newer, thicker glazing. This can not only reduce the transparency of the individual light bulbs, but can also compromise the structural integrity and cause damage over time.
Many homeowners choose to remove the sash and frame their windows. Although this requires an investment of some amount however, it's usually less expensive than replacing the entire window and will aid in preserving your home's historical features. It won't also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Sash window restoration could be an excellent option regardless of whether you are seeking a quick fix or an investment for the long term.