Sash Windows Repair
Pam attempts to salvage the original window. She employs a heat gun set to medium, with a nozzle guard that softens the old, hardened glass compound (putty) and then a putty knife to scrape it off.
She then ties the bottom sash cords to ensure they don't pull into the weight pockets, and removes its metal hardware. She then puts it in a bag that has a label.
Repairing the Sash
Old wooden windows, even when well maintained and repaired, might not be able to open and close as easily as they ought to. This could be due to an improperly aligned hardware, which is relatively easy to fix. It could be a result of the wood shrinking and swelling due to changes in humidity levels in the air. The replacement of the wooden window sash can help your window operate more efficiently and smoothly.
To take off the lower sash, first find the wooden peg(s) that keep the stile and rail together. Then, using a mallet or soft-faced hammer (to avoid damage to the sash), gently separate the rail and stile. Next, remove the muntins - the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that are used to separate the panes of glass. After the muntins are removed then lift the sash up and place it on a table or workbench. Then, remove the sash cords from their pulleys, and cut them down below the point where they connect to the staff bead.
After the window has been thoroughly cleaned, it's the time to begin reassembling the window. The author uses a small bar to apply glazing compound over a stiff-bladed, putty knife. She then attaches each window sash that has been reassembled by using glazier's tips (one on each side). In the end, she puts on the sash stopper to keep it from being completely pulled down.
If you're going to reuse the sash cords it's a good idea tie the back end of each to a nail or pin protruding from the top of the staff bead. this will help keep the weight in place until you can connect the other end to the sash. After the cord is attached, temporarily nail or pin the weight to the bead. Keep the head protruding so that the load isn't slipping out of place.
Once the sash is assembled, it is then hung from its frame. Then, the track made of vinyl can be put back in place and, finally, the lock terminals can be replaced by releasing each pawl on its locking terminal, then twisting them counterclockwise to reset their tension.
Restoring the Frame
The elements can have a significant impact on the interior and exterior of your sash windows, and it's usually the situation that the frame is more deteriorated than the sash. The frame is more vulnerable to the elements, especially in older homes where sills weren't sloped as they are now. This can lead to water residue collecting on the sill that, over time can cause the wood to turn rotten. If left unattended the rot could spread to the the frame, compromising the structural integrity of the frame.
A specialized window restoration company will repair your sash, and improve its energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips to reduce drafts and stop the window from shaking.
Having your sash windows restored can be more affordable than replacement and will bring back a sense of history to your home. A reputable company will be able to restore your Sash windows and ensure they are in best condition for many years to come.
It is essential to ensure that the hardware functions correctly and there aren't any leaks prior to trying to repair the shash. If the sash can't be closed and opened it could need to be replaced.
After the sash has been removed the old glazing putty can be scraped off and frames cleaned down to bare wood when needed. The damaged areas can then be repaired with a high quality wood filler such as Expoxy High Build, and sanded to remove any bumps or unevenness. After sanding the area, it can then be primed and then painted to protect against moisture and the elements.
The muntins, which 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 out. This is typically caused by soft or decaying wood, and again, can be avoided by regular inspections and regular maintenance. Regularly applying wood preservatives such as varnish or linseed can ensure the timbers are protected and let you spot possible issues before they become serious.
Restoring the Glass
When a window becomes old, it begins to begin to show signs of wear. Paint may chip, wood could decay, or glass may break. This is the time to fix your windows with sash.
The sash is the part of the window that contains the glazing bars as well as the actual glass itself. The sash is moved upwards and downwards to open and shut the window. The movement is aided by an array of weights and cords.
To ensure that wooden sash windows remain in good condition They must be maintained regularly. If left untreated the sash can start to develop mildew, mold or even rot. Exposure to the elements causes the sash of wood to swell and shrink as humidity changes. This could cause the window frame to become stuck or jammed.
Cleaning the sash is a process of cleaning the glazing bar and glass and removing any sanding dust or dirt that has built up on it. This is a great time to replace any worn weather strip. If there's no weather strip, you could 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 is cleaned and reglazed, it's an ideal time to inspect the timber for damage. A screwdriver test could be conducted to determine whether the wood is brittle or rotten, in which case it needs to be replaced. The wood that is rotten is replaced with fresh timber primed and then painted.
Draught-proofing your window is a further method to improve its acoustic properties. This is accomplished by injecting heavy gases into the gaps between the glass panes to reduce the amount of air that is able to pass through. This can dramatically improve the thermal efficiency of the window and reduce noise from outside. Draught-proofing can also reduce heating and cooling costs. This is particularly important in Minnesota where energy costs are quite high. Repairing your sash windows and draught-proofed can make a big difference to the comfort of your home.
Restoring the Muntins
Even damaged muntins are repairable with the right methods. First tape strips of painter's tape to the glass. Apply a slow-setting epoxy layer to the damaged muntin. After the epoxy is dry then use local window repair a scraper to shape it into a smooth profile. Finally wipe the window clean with a rag that has been dampened with white vinegar and sand it smooth before applying a second coat of epoxy.
After you've repaired 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 an auction house. When searching for glass at an auction try to find glass that is either the proper size or 4" larger than your current panes. This will make it easier to cut the glass to fit.
The upper and lower frames slide into each other, joined by two sets of rails (the horizontal strips that hold the sash) and stiles (the vertical pieces that join them). Sash windows also feature a sophisticated arrangement of timber parts: sash horns that are profiled and sash guts around the glazing mouldings, scotia mouldings, precision-made parting beads and staff beads. All of these components must be in sync, requiring millimetre-precise gap sizes and a hidden system of pulleys and weights.
When old windows are reglazed using insulated glass units the original rails and stiles are often routed out to accept the deeper thickness of the new glazing. This can not only decrease the transparency of individual lights, it can compromise the structural integrity of the sash and cause the sash becoming damaged over time.
To avoid this, a lot of homeowners opt to remove the existing sash and reframe the window instead. This requires a substantial expense, but it's usually less expensive than replacing the entire window. It will also help preserve your home’s historic features. It also won't affect the energy efficiency of your home. Therefore, whether you're in search of a quick fix or are looking for an investment that will last for a long time the restoration of sash windows is an excellent option to consider.