How To Explain Sash Windows Repair To Your Boss
Sash Windows RepairPam tries to salvage as much of the original window as possible. She uses a heating gun set to medium, with a nozzle guard that softens the old, hardened glaze compound (putty) and then a putty blade to scrape it off.
She then ties the bottom sash cords to ensure they don't get pulled into the weight pockets, and takes off the metal hardware. She then stores it in a bag with a label.
Repairing the Sash
Old wood windows even if they are well maintained and repaired, might not be able to open or close as easily as they ought to. This could be due to misaligned hardware and is relatively simple to fix. It could be due to the wood's shrinking and swelling caused by changing humidity levels in the air. Wood window sash replacement can make windows work more efficiently and smoothly.
To take the lower sash off, locate the wooden pegs which attach the rail to the stile. To avoid damaging the sash you can use a soft-faced mallet or hammer to gently break the rail from the stile. Then, you can remove the muntins (the horizontal and vertical pieces that divide the glass panes). After you have removed the muntins, raise the sash upwards and place it on the table or workbench. Remove the sash cords. Cut them to the point they are tacked.
After cleaning the window and reassembled, it can be reassembled. The writer covers each reassembled sash with glazing compound using the small pry bar atop a stiff-bladed knife - and then secures them using glazier's points (one point on each side of the sash). Then, she adds a sash stop to keep it from being completely pulled down.
Reusing the sashcords is an excellent idea. Attach the back end of the cord to a pin or nail that extends from the top of the bead. This will help hold the weight in place, so you can connect the other end to the sash. Once the cord has been attached, temporarily nail or pin the weight to the bead. Leave the head protruding so that the load isn't slipping out of its place.
After the sash is reassembled, it should be hung in its frame. The track made of vinyl can be reinstalled. 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 have a huge impact on the exterior and interior of your sash windows, and it's usually the situation that the frame will be more damaged than the sash. The frame is more vulnerable to the elements, particularly in older homes where sills were not angled as they are today. The water residue can accumulate on the sill, which could eventually cause the wood to begin to rot. If not taken care of the rot could extend to the rest of the frame and weaken the structural integrity of the frame.
A specialist window restoration company can repair your sash windows and increase their energy efficiency. They can also fit discreet brush pile strips that help stop rattling and reduce drafts without compromising the character of the window.
Restoring your sash window can be a cheaper alternative to replacing them and can also provide a sense of history to your home. A company with a high-end reputation can fix your sash window and maintain them in good condition for years to come.
It is essential to ensure that the hardware functions properly and that there are no leaks before attempting to fix the shash. If the sash cannot be closed and opened it could need to be replaced.
After the sash has been removed the old glazing putty can be scraped away and frames cleaned down to bare wood when needed. The damaged areas can then 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 finally painted to protect it from elements and moisture.
The muntins, the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood 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 or soft wood, and can be prevented through double glazing window repair regular inspections and maintenance. Regular application of wood preservatives like linseed oil, or varnish can keep the timbers safe and allow you to spot any potential issues before they become too serious.
Restoring the Glass
When a window becomes old, it starts to begin to show signs of wear. Paint may chip, wood can decay, or glass may break. When this happens it is time to consider sash windows repair.
The sash is a part of the window that houses the glazing bars as well as the actual glass itself. The sash can move up and down to open and close the window. This movement is supported by the system of cords and weights.
Wooden sash windows require regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly. Untreated, the sash could begin to develop mildew, mold or rot. Exposure to the elements causes the wooden sash to shrink and expand as humidity changes. This could cause the window frame to become stuck or blocked.
Cleaning the sash is a process of cleaning the glazing bar and glass and getting rid of any sanding dust or dirt that has built up on it. It's also a good opportunity to replace the worn weather strip. If there isn't a weather strip, you could add one to the bottom of your sash. You can also apply a silicone spray or Teflon to grease the pulley axles.
Once the sash has been cleaned and reglazed, it's an ideal time to inspect the timber for damage. The wood can be tested with a screwdriver to determine if it's soft or rotten. If so the wood needs to be replaced. The new timber is then put into the areas of rot and primed and painted.
Another good opportunity to improve the acoustic quality of the window is to make it draught-proofed. This is accomplished by injecting heavy gasses into the gaps between the glass panes to limit the amount of air that enters through. This can dramatically increase the efficiency of the window and reduce the noise emanating from outside. Draught-proofing also helps to reduce heating and cooling costs. This is particularly important in Minnesota where energy costs are quite high. The repair of your sash windows and draught-proofed could be a huge improvement to the quality of your home.
Restoring the Muntins
Even damaged muntins can be repaired using the correct techniques. First tape strips of painter's tape to the glass. Apply a slow-setting epoxy layer to the damaged muntin. After the epoxy has dried then, you can scrape it with a sandpaper and shape it into an ideal profile. Finally, wipe the window clean using a rag soaked in white vinegar and sand it smooth before applying another coat of epoxy.
After fixing the frame, sash and glazing bars, you are now ready to paint the window. At this stage, you can choose to purchase a new restoration glass from a retailer or salvage old window panes from an auction house. If you are looking for glass in an old salvage yard, be sure to look for panes that are the correct size or 4 inches larger than your current ones. This will make it easier to cut the glass.
The upper and lower frames slide into each other, joined by two sets of rails (the horizontal strips that support the sash) and stiles (the vertical pieces that link them). Sash windows also have a sophisticated arrangement of timber parts: sash horns that are profiled and sash guts that surround glazing mouldings, scotia mouldings, precision-made parting beads and staff beads. All of these components must be in sync, requiring millimetre-specific gap sizes and a hidden system of pulleys and weights.
When windows are reglazed to accommodate glass that is insulated, the original stiles, rails, and frames are often routed out in order to accommodate the newer, thicker glazing. This can not only reduce the transparency of individual light bulbs, but also weaken the structural strength and cause damage over time.
To prevent this from happening, many homeowners decide to take off the existing sash and reframe the window instead. This requires a substantial investment, but it is typically less expensive than replacing the entire window. It will also preserve your home's historic features. Moreover, it will not reduce the energy efficiency of your house. If you're in need of a short term solution or are seeking an investment that will last for a long time the restoration of sash windows is a great option to consider.