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14 Questions You're Afraid To Ask About Sash Windows Repair
Sash Windows Repair

Pam is determined to save as much of the original window as she can. She makes use of a heat gun set on medium and equipped with a nozzle shield to soften hardened, old putty (glazing compound) and a putty knife to cut it off.

She then ties the sash cords at the bottom to keep them from pulling into the weight pockets and removes its hardware. She then puts the bag in a container with the label.

Repairing the Sash

Even if they are properly maintained and repaired, older wooden windows might not be able open or close as easily. This problem could stem from misaligned hardware and is relatively simple to fix. Alternatively, it could be due to the wood swelling and shrinking caused by changes in humidity levels in the surrounding. The replacement of the wooden window sash can help your window run more efficiently and smoothly.

To take off the lower sash, find the wooden pegs that connect the stile to the rail. Then using a mallet or soft-faced hammer (to avoid damage to the sash) take care to gently separate the stile and rail. Then, take out the muntins - the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that separate the panes of glass. After the muntins are removed, lift the sash and place it on a table or workbench. Take the sash cords off. Cut them below the point where they are tacked.

After cleaning the window then reassemble it. The writer covers each reassembled sash with glazing compound using the small pry bar and a stiff-bladed knife, and then secures them with glazier's points (one point on each side of the sash). Finally, she adds an sash stopper to prevent it from being pulled completely down.

If you're reusing the sash cords, it's a good idea connect the back end of each to a pin or nail protruding from the top of the staff bead. this will hold the weight in place until you can connect the other end to the sash. Once the cord is secured, you should temporarily nail or pin the weight to the bead. The head should remain protruding to ensure that the weight doesn't fall out of place.

After the sash has been reassembled, it should be placed in its frame. The vinyl track should then be reinstalled. 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 have an impact on both the interior and exterior of windows made of sash. It is typical for the frame to become more deteriorated that the sash. The frame is more vulnerable to the elements, especially in older houses where the sills were not angled as they are now. This can result in water residue building up on the sill which, in time, may cause the wood to rot. If the rot is not treated, it could spread to other parts of the frame and weaken the structural integrity.

A specialist window restoration firm can restore your sash windows and increase their energy efficiency. They can also install brush pile strips that minimize drafts and stop the window from being rattled.

Restoring your sash windows can be a more cost-effective option than replacing them and can also provide an air of history to your home. A company of high quality can restore your sash window and maintain them in the best condition for many years.

Before attempting to repair a sash windows it is essential to make sure the hardware is functioning properly and there are no leaks. If the sash no more opens and closes it may require replacement completely.

After removing the sash the old glazing putty must be removed and the frames cleaned to naked wood if required. The damaged areas can be repaired using a high quality wood filler, such as Expoxy High Build, and sanded to remove any bumps or unevenness. After sanding, the repaired area, it is then able to be primed, and finally painted to guard against elements and moisture.

The muntins are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wooden that separate the panes from the glass in old sash window frames can also break loose or fall out. This is typically caused by decayed wood or soft wood, and can be avoided by regular inspections and maintenance. Regularly applying wood preservatives such as linseed or varnish will ensure the timbers are protected and allow you to identify potential problems before they become serious.

Restoring window repairman

When a window becomes old, it starts to begin to show signs of wear. The paint could begin to chip, and the wood might start to rot, or the glass can break. This is when it's time to repair your sash windows.

The sash is the part of the window that contains the glazing bars and the actual glass itself. The sash is moved upwards and downwards to open and close the window. The movement is aided by a system weights and cords.

Wooden sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them operating properly. If not taken care of, the sash may begin to develop mildew, mold or even rot. Exposure to the elements also causes the sash of wood to shrink and expand as humidity changes. This can cause the window frame to become stuck or jammed.

Cleaning the glazing bars and glass and getting rid of any dirt or dust built up on them is the first step to restore the sash. It's also a good opportunity to replace the worn weather strip. If you don't have 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.

It is a good practice to check the wood for any damage after the sash has been cleaned and reglazed. The wood can be tested with a screwdriver to determine if it's soft or decayed. If it is it will need to be replaced. The new wood is then inserted into the areas of rot and primed and painted.

Draught-proofing your window is a further way to improve its acoustic properties. To limit the amount of air that is able to pass between the glass panes, gas-filled vapors are introduced into the gaps. This can significantly improve the thermal efficiency of the window and reduce the noise emanating from outside. Adding draught-proofing can also save money on heating and cooling bills. This is particularly relevant in Minnesota, where energy bills can be quite high. Repairing your sash windows and draught-proofed can be a huge improvement to the living space.

Restoring the Muntins

Using the right techniques, even damaged muntins can be repaired. First apply painter's tape to the glass. Apply a slow-setting epoxy coating to the damaged muntin. Once the epoxy is dry and set, you can use a scraper shape it into a smooth profile. Then using a rag that has been soaked in white vinegar, scrub the window and sand 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 a salvage yard. When searching for glass at an auction try to find glass that is either the right size or 4" larger than your current panes. This makes it easier to trim the glass to fit.


The lower and upper sashes are held together by two sets of rails, which are horizontal strips that keep them in position. Stiles are the vertical pieces that link the two. Sash windows feature a complicated arrangement of wood parts that include sash horns with profiled edges and sash guts which surround the glazing, scotia moldings, and precision made employees beads and parting beads. All of these components must be able to work seamlessly, which requires precise millimetre gap sizes as well as an invisible system of pulleys and weights.

When historic windows are reglazed with insulated glass units the original stiles and rails often get routed out to accept the deeper thickness of the new glazing. This may not only affect the transparency of individual light bulbs, but also affect the structural integrity and cause damage over time.

To avoid this, many homeowners decide to take off the sash that is currently in place and frame 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 aid in preserving your home's historical features. Furthermore, it won't compromise the overall energy efficiency of your home. Sash window restoration can be an ideal option for you whether you're seeking an immediate fix or an investment that will last for a long time.

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