Sash Windows Repair
Pam attempts to salvage the original window. She makes use of a heat gun set on medium and fitted with a nozzle shield to soften old, hardened putty (glazing compound) and a putty knife to scrape it away.
She then knots bottom sash cords in a way that they don't pull into the weight pockets, and removes its metal hardware. She stores it in a labeled bag.
Repairing the Sash
Even when they are maintained properly and repaired, older wooden windows might not be able open or close as easily. This problem may be due to the wrong alignment of hardware, which is an simple to fix, or it could be the result of the wood's swelling and contraction due to changing humidity levels. Replacement of the wood window sash can make windows run more smoothly and efficiently.
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 prevent damage to the sash) take care to gently separate the rail and stile. Then, you can remove the muntins (the vertical and horizontal pieces that separate the glass panes). After the muntins have been removed, lift the sash and place it on a table or workbench. Then, remove the sash cords from the pulleys and cut them through below the point where they connect to the staff bead.
After cleaning the window, reassemble it. The author uses a small pry bar to apply glazing compound on a stiff-bladed, putty knife. She then attaches each window sash that has been reassembled using the glazier's tips (one on each side). She then adds a stopper to stop it from being pulled completely down.
Reusing the sashcords is a good idea. Attach the back end to a pin or nail that extends from the top of the bead. This will keep the weight in place so you can tie the opposite end to the sash. After the cord is secured, you should temporarily nail or pin the weight to the bead. The head should remain protruding so that the load doesn't fall out of place.
Once the sash is assembled, it can be hung onto its frame. The vinyl track should then be put back in place. Finally, the lock terminals are replaced by releasing the pawls of each locking terminal and twisting them in the opposite direction to reset the tension.
Restoring the Frame
The elements can have an impact on both the exterior and interior of windows with sash. It is typical for the frame to be more damaged than the sash. This is because the frame is exposed to the weather especially in older houses where the sills are old and don't slope like modern ones. Water residue can collect on the sill, which could eventually cause the wood to decay. If not taken care of, the rot can be spread to the rest of the frame and weaken its structural integrity.
A specialist window restoration company will repair your sash, and improve its energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips to minimize drafts and stop the window from being rattled.
Restoring your sash window can be a better alternative to replacing them, and also add an aura of history to your home. A reputable company can restore your windows and keep them in good condition for a long time.
It is important to check that the hardware functions correctly and that there aren't any leaks prior to attempting to fix a sliding sash. If the sash cannot be opened and closed, it may have to be replaced.
After removing the sash, the old glazing putty should be removed and frames cleaned to reveal the bare wood, if needed. The damaged areas can then be repaired using a top quality wood filler such as Expoxy High Build, and sanded to eliminate any bumps or unevenness. After sanding, the area that has been repaired can be primed and then painted to protect it against the elements and weather.
The muntins, which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wooden that separate each pane from the glass in old sash windows frames are also prone to becoming loose or fall out. This is often caused by soft or decaying wood, and can be avoided by regular inspections and maintenance. Regular application of wood preservatives like varnish or linseed can ensure the timbers are protected and let you spot potential issues before they become serious.
Restoring the Glass
When a window is old it starts to show signs of wear and tear. The paint could begin to chip, and the wood might begin to rot, or the glass can break. This is when it's time to fix your windows that are sash.
The sash is the portion of the window which houses the glazing bars as well as the actual glass. The sash is moved between the sides to open and close the window. The movement is supported by an array of cords and weights.
To keep wooden sash windows in good condition, they need to be maintained regularly. If the sash is not treated, it could begin to develop mildew, mold 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 clogged in its frame.
Cleaning the glass and glazing bars and removing any dust or dirt collected on them is the first step in restoring the sash. It's also a good chance to replace the worn weather strip. If there isn't a weather strip, you can put one on the bottom of your sash. You can also use a silicone spray or Teflon to lubricate pulley axles.
After the sash is cleaned and reglazed it is an ideal time to inspect the timber for any damage. A test with a screwdriver can be carried out to determine whether the wood is soft or rotten, in which the case it should be replaced. The rotted wood is then replaced with fresh timber primed and painted.
Another option to enhance the acoustic quality of the window is to make it protected from draughts. To limit the amount of air that passes between the glass panes gas-filled vapors are infiltrated into the gaps. This can dramatically increase the efficiency of the window as well as reduce the noise from outside. Draught-proofing can also help reduce cooling and heating costs. This is especially true in Minnesota where energy costs are very high. The repair and draughtproofing of your windows can make a significant improvement to the comfort of your home.
Restoring the Muntins
If you use the right techniques If you follow the right methods, even damaged muntins may be restored. First, tape strips of painter’s tape to the glass. Apply a slow-setting epoxy coating to the damaged muntin. Once the epoxy has dried using a scraper, sculpt it to resemble the perfect profile. Then clean the window with a rag that has been dampened with white vinegar. Sand it smooth before applying another coat of epoxy.
After repairing the frame, sash and glazing bars, you're now ready to paint the window. You can purchase new restoration glass through a dealer, or you can salvage old panes of glass from an estate sale. If you're looking for glass at an old salvage yard, be sure you look for panes that are the right size or four inches larger than your current ones. This will make it much easier to trim the glass.
The upper and lower sashes slide into the frame, connected by two rails (the horizontal strips that support the sash) and stiles (the vertical pieces that join them). Sash windows are a complicated arrangement of wood parts, including sash horns with sharp edges and sash guts which surround the glazing, scotia mouldings and precision-crafted parting sash windows repair beads and employee beads. All these parts have to be in sync, requiring millimetre-precise gap sizes and an invisible system of pulleys and weights.
When windows from the past are reglazed using glass units that are insulated, the original rails and stiles often get removed to accommodate the deeper thickness of the new glazing. This can not only decrease the transparency of the individual lights but it can compromise the structural strength of the sash and cause damage over time.
Many homeowners opt to take out the sash that is currently in place and reframe their window. Although this requires a considerable investment but it's typically cheaper than replacing the entire window and will preserve your home's historic features. It will also not impact the energy efficiency of your house. Therefore, whether you're in search of a quick solution or are seeking a long term investment, restoring sash windows is a good option to think about.