Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch of elegance to any home. However, they can also be drafty and difficult to clean because of wear and age. Repairs to windows with sash can be a great option for improving functionality and maintaining the original appearance.
The first step in sash window repair is to take off the "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame, that allow access to the weights.
Damaged sashes
If your sash window has been damaged or leaking or leaking, you'll need to do more that just patch the surface. You'll save money by completing a more thorough repair, particularly if your home is older and has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and how to fix them:
Problems with Sticking
It can be difficult to shut or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This can result in rattling noises and let drafts into your house.
To solve this issue, use an utility knife to score and then cut away the paint line from the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. After that, you'll need apply a sash oil that will help it move more easily.
Broken Sash Cords
Some old double-hung sashes have metal or cotton cords that support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords could break, making it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:
Remove the frame from the
timber sash windows and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Cut the cord in the middle of the sash. Remove any nails sticking out of the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers and then insert it back into the side channel. Incorporate the cord knot into the hole and secure it with the nail set.
Re-install the sash and install the beads for staff. Make sure you leave enough space on the cords to ensure the proper operation. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk could be applied between the staff bead and the box.
Once the sash and frame are repaired completely, cover them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to allow it to work and not to stick to your hands. Let the putty completely dry before reinstalling sash or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To balance and support the sashes of old double-hung windows (two sashes), chains or cotton cords are affixed to counterweights. As time passes, the chains may break, preventing the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these problems in a matter of less than an hour.
Start by removing the staff bead that divides the upper and lower sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot, and then into the side of the sash casing to keep the bead in place, however, you should be in a position to remove it with needle-nose pliers. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads, and then clean off caulk, paint, and old cord residue that has accumulated around the groove of the sash.
To open the
window sash replacement, pull on one of the cords running through the sash to raise it up. Once you've pulled it as far as it will be, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it to length using a utility knife. When you finish, ensure that the new cord matches with the groove of the sash and that it's connected to the frame with a knot.
If the sash still isn't moving, you can cut the cords using your side cutters. When the sash is completely free it is necessary to remove the access panel in the sash channel, which will expose the pockets of sash weights, counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window is painted, you may have to cut the seams using the hammer and chisel in order to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
Once you've removed your access panel, you can see the two cast-iron sash weights in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight by using a self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and then reset the pulley system to ensure it functions properly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a touch of history to older homes, but they also present issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult to open or close, rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These problems are usually caused by swollen wood paint buildup, sash cords that have become rotted. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive and cost-effective methods to address the problem and keep your sash windows functioning effectively.
Disassembling an old sash is the initial step to repair it. Remove the sash, as well as the frame, and make sure that all parts are in good shape. Sand down the wood to make it look better and prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use an utility knife to cut off any paint layers. A new set of tilt-pins could enhance the window's performance.
Weights are placed over a system of pulleys to balance the weight of the sash window. These weights, typically made of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket located in the inner lining of the box. A dividing strip is placed inside the window frame to keep the weights from colliding.
It isn't easy to access these weights, since the sash's upper part can be sealed with paint and then nailed into place. However, if you're diligent and cautious you can easily remove the sash by using bar clamps, reversed to spread apart, to ease it out of the groove in the meeting rail. You may have to tap and jiggle it to free it but once it's free you can inspect the sash and replace it if necessary with a new rope.
While you're at it, you can also replace the
Sash Windows Repair balance to make the window easier to open and close. It's much easier than you think to change a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
In time, the old timbers will become damaged and even the best-maintained windows with sash can begin to exhibit signs of decay. If the rot is limited to the sill, it may be possible to fix the window. However, if it has progressed through the frame into the interior of the home and has damaged structural members, it is probably the time to replace it.
If you've got rotten sill, it's important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support when the studs are weighing. After removing the old sill and cleaning any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new one and secure it to the studs.
A sill that is rotten is not just ugly but can cause costly repairs in the near future. It could, for instance cause the
sash window locks with key, that is hard to see, to shift. This could lead to cracks, bowed or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water get into the wall, which can cause mold and other problems.
It's not as difficult as you think to replace a rotten sill. To stop rot, you must keep the window free of dirt and debris. You should also apply a sealant to the frames of your windows to guard them from moisture. In addition, you must use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels in your home, which can prevent wooden sashes from swelling or sagging.
Sashes that stick are a common issue for windows with sash. This issue can be fixed by applying a small amount of silicone or wax to the tracks of your windows. This will allow them to slide easier. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can use an utility knife to slice through the paint layers and remove the sashes.
Another option to resolve a sticking sash is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash still sticks it is possible to try draught proofing it. This is done by placing a piece of rubber between the sash frame and sash. This helps to reduce airflow and improves acoustic qualities.