In older homes, you see windows made of wood and single pane glass. If they slide up and down the are most likely sash windows. With patience sash window refurbishment can be done. These window have pulleys, ropes and iron counter weights to allow you to open and close the window easily. They gradually are being replaced by new vinyl double paned insulated windows. Vinyl windows, made of artificial materials, can detract for the authentic look of older homes.
Well maintained older homes through the years have received many coats of paint, inside and out. Sometimes the old wood framed panes will be firmly joined by layers of paint. This is the first job of any one taking on this project. Once the panes are freed the casement can be inspected to see what needs to be fixed or repaired.
Clearing the casement, frame and guides of paint can be quickened by using an electric sander, preferably the rotary kind. Paint remover can be used as well. Paint remover is a caustic chemical and wearing eye protection is a must. Sanding paint will put particles in the air. Remember old paint contains lead. For both the paint remover and sanding a good quality respirator is required for safety.
After removing most of the paint, to the point where you have a clear view of where wood touches wood, you can begin to separate the wooden members. Work along the seams and joints with a utility knife. Patience is the key here if you wish to preserve the original treatment. Rushing can crack or break the framing. Broken glass is dangerous, but can be replaced with a trip to a local glass company.
Movable wooden panes are held in place with wood guides on either side that create a channel. The window should slide up and down in the channel. If the frame has been painted in place with many layers it will most likely be necessary to remove these guides and clean out the channel.
If you accidentally break one of the guides, do not worry. They can be easily be replace with like lumber from your nearby lumber yard or home improvement centre. If there is lots of paint the guides should be replaced anyway to prevent the framing from sticking in the future. Just use a common wood chisel and pry them out. Otherwise to save time you should cut the place where the guide meets the casement with a utility knife and then carefully pry the guides out with a flat crowbar. It is critical the groove where the framing slides up and down be clear. Repainting is not necessary. Use a wood preservative and lubricate the channel with wax.
Once opened inspect the exposed wood for any weather damage. You may see signs or mildew and sometimes some insect damage. Mold can be cleaned and removed with bleach, but remember to wear gloves. If moisture is getting the exterior seals have most likely weathered away and will need to be restored.
Keep that authentic look on your older home sash window refurbishment is required. Modern windows can't duplicate that look. Restoring these homes properly can lead to increase pride of ownership as well as actual value. Restoring these older glass frames can require care and effort. A knowledgeable window contractor with experience restoring older home would be a good resource.
Well maintained older homes through the years have received many coats of paint, inside and out. Sometimes the old wood framed panes will be firmly joined by layers of paint. This is the first job of any one taking on this project. Once the panes are freed the casement can be inspected to see what needs to be fixed or repaired.
Clearing the casement, frame and guides of paint can be quickened by using an electric sander, preferably the rotary kind. Paint remover can be used as well. Paint remover is a caustic chemical and wearing eye protection is a must. Sanding paint will put particles in the air. Remember old paint contains lead. For both the paint remover and sanding a good quality respirator is required for safety.
After removing most of the paint, to the point where you have a clear view of where wood touches wood, you can begin to separate the wooden members. Work along the seams and joints with a utility knife. Patience is the key here if you wish to preserve the original treatment. Rushing can crack or break the framing. Broken glass is dangerous, but can be replaced with a trip to a local glass company.
Movable wooden panes are held in place with wood guides on either side that create a channel. The window should slide up and down in the channel. If the frame has been painted in place with many layers it will most likely be necessary to remove these guides and clean out the channel.
If you accidentally break one of the guides, do not worry. They can be easily be replace with like lumber from your nearby lumber yard or home improvement centre. If there is lots of paint the guides should be replaced anyway to prevent the framing from sticking in the future. Just use a common wood chisel and pry them out. Otherwise to save time you should cut the place where the guide meets the casement with a utility knife and then carefully pry the guides out with a flat crowbar. It is critical the groove where the framing slides up and down be clear. Repainting is not necessary. Use a wood preservative and lubricate the channel with wax.
Once opened inspect the exposed wood for any weather damage. You may see signs or mildew and sometimes some insect damage. Mold can be cleaned and removed with bleach, but remember to wear gloves. If moisture is getting the exterior seals have most likely weathered away and will need to be restored.
Keep that authentic look on your older home sash window refurbishment is required. Modern windows can't duplicate that look. Restoring these homes properly can lead to increase pride of ownership as well as actual value. Restoring these older glass frames can require care and effort. A knowledgeable window contractor with experience restoring older home would be a good resource.
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