Sash Window Restoration
The restoration of a sash window begins by stripping the wood to reveal the original wood. This process is best left to a professional for the sake of not damaging fragile components.
Damaged or decayed wood is removed carefully and treated with a water-resistant wood hardener. New wood is added in the appropriate places. Wood filler is applied to form the shape, and then smoothed before painting.
Frame
The frame of windows is an important aspect of its overall design. It must be in good condition to allow the sashrail and sashrail to be properly fitted. Window frames are usually made of wood and can be painted or stained. They may also have some decay in the corners, and it's essential to spot this and treat it appropriately so that it doesn't spread and cause further damage.
It is recommended that when you restore the sash of a window, you use a kit that includes all the components needed for the job. This will save you time and money, and make sure that the work is done properly. The sash kits from Fenster contain everything you need to reassemble the window and restore it to its original glory.
Once you've bought your sash kit, open it and read the instructions carefully. You'll be grateful you did, because the sash assembly process can be tricky and time-consuming. Begin by carefully removing interior stops of the lower sash. They can be painted over, and it's vital to remove them without causing damage to the wood. Note down how they're connected, since they'll have to be reinstalled in the future.
Then, remove the upper sash. If it's painted, you'll need to use a knife that can cut through the paint without causing damage to the wood. After removing the sash take off any sash chains and cords and place it in a safe place. Next, you'll need to take the parting bead off the rail that joins the upper sash. This is a thin strip of wood that divides the top and bottom sashes and is fragile due to aging.
After removing the sash, you will need to scrape away the old glazing putty and the wood's surface. You can buy a wood scraper, or build your own using framing lumber. Either way, it's important to use a quality scraper that will not scratch or harm the wood. It's also important to wear a dust mask to protect yourself from the fine sawdust produced by the scraping process.
Sash
It can be difficult to determine if it's worth replacing or repairing your sash windows. A sash window expert can inform you of the best option on a case-by case basis.
If you are willing to put in some effort to repair sash windows, they can be repaired successfully. It is important to have the right equipment, tools and knowledge about the process. This will help you maximize your budget and bring your sash windows back to their original splendor.
The first step is to steam clean the sash, then remove all paint and scrape it back to the wood that is bare. It is recommended to use a tool such as the Bahco Tungsten Carbide Scraper. This tool is simple to hold and comes with replaceable blades. It can be used to dig deep into the grooves of the wood without damaging them. Cover the area with plastic sheets to protect it.
After the sash is steam cleaned it needs to be completely dried, and the opening for the glass should be reglazed using a new glaze compound. Make sure to use a premium special-designed glazing compound. You can let the glue dry in a sunny, warm area if the weather allows.
Once the sash is ready, the next step is to place it into the frame. This will require careful placement of each component to ensure that they fit comfortably and securely. It is also crucial that the sash open and close with ease.
Weather stripping can be used to close any gaps between the sash frame and the sash. This will stop air from getting into the house. This will increase your home's energy efficiency and lower your heating costs.
If the sash cords or chains are damaged, it could be difficult to operate your window. You can repair this by taking the window sash off, cutting and attaching new chains, and tying the knot securely.
Glass
The sash window frame can be removed to replace the glass in case it has been damaged or cracked. This requires breaking the paint seal and removing the stops (the thin strips of wood that direct the window's path to open and close). The sash is removed from the frame using an apex tool and a putty blade that is a stiffer blade. The sash is then ripped out and the window sill is cut for access to the weight cavity.
After the sash is stripped and primed, then sanded, the glass can be put in. The sash is then coated with glass and a new draught-proofing system is put in place. This decreases the air flow through your window, boosts the efficiency of your heating system and eliminates rattles.
A common problem with sash windows is the appearance of water damage. This is due to moisture being trapped behind the glass, and can cause the timber to expand and then become fragile. Sash windows that have been damaged by water are also prone to signs of decay which is a serious issue that should not be overlooked.
To prevent this from happening, we apply a chemical that is restorative to clean the glass and remove any mineral deposits. The chemical should remain on the glass for at least 30 seconds in order to penetrate the surface and remove any stains.
It is then cleaned with an agitating cloth to remove any dirt or residue. After drying, we re-prime the areas to be painted and apply a couple coats of gloss varnish. The paint acts as a barrier to protect the wood to prevent moisture from causing damage to the wood underneath and making it easier to clean.
While a renovation may be an option for some, it can be expensive and time consuming. In the majority of cases, replacing old windows with modern double-glazed windows is more affordable and sustainable than restoring the existing ones. Plus, they look great! If your old sash windows is showing signs of wear, you should consider posting a job on Airtasker for them to be restored or replaced.
Hardware
The hardware used to operate a traditional sash window can become faulty with age. Older hardware, like chains, handles and cords wear out and leave gaps that can cause drafts and a higher cost for energy. The windows in sash can also suffer from misalignment as time passes and can be difficult to open and close. These issues can be resolved by a bit of maintenance and the assistance of skilled experts.
A thorough assessment is the first step towards a sash-window restoration project. This will identify the type of repair required. This helps the team decide on the best repair plan. Repairs can be cosmetic, such as fixing damage to the glass or paintwork or more structural, like fixing damaged frames or rotted timber. The team will also examine the operation of the window by looking for draughts rattles, or any other functional issues.
When repairing the team will cautiously remove the frame sash to gain access to every component without further damage. The team will also cover windows with covers to protect them and remove any knockouts not essential for the repair. Lead paint is commonly found on older wood windows and requires specific handling techniques. These techniques reduce the chance of dust dispersal and ensure the safety of your team.
Once the repairs are complete and the sash is reassembled to check for any remaining problems. The sash is then protected from draughts and all mechanical components are lubricated. This improves the functionality and reduces the amount of energy required by a sash to run. Finally, double glazed timber sash windows is primed and painted to restore its appearance.
The process of restoring a sash can increase the value of your home. However, it is important to do the job correctly to ensure that the windows will last. The staff at ERW have years of experience working on historic properties and in conservation areas, and they are able to bring the charm of older windows back into life while meeting the latest energy efficiency standards. The team is committed to maintaining the authenticity of windows with sash and their place in the architectural history. They also seek to implement ecologically responsible and health-conscious methods throughout the entire project.