Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. Nevertheless, they can be drafty and uncomfortable due to age or wear. Sash window repair is a great option to increase the functionality and maintain the original appeal of your windows.

The first step in sash window repair is to take off the "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that sit at the bottom of the frame and let the weights in.

Sashes damaged by abrasions

If your sash double glazing windows have been damaged or leaky, you'll need to go beyond patch the surface. Performing a more comprehensive repair job will save you money in the long run, particularly if you have a older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and the best way to fix them:

Sticking Issues

It will be difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit snugly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and allow drafts to enter your home.

To solve this issue, use an utility knife to cut and pry off the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash oil, which will help it move smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

In certain instances, the old double-hung sashes use either metal or cotton cords to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break, making it impossible to lift or keep the sash up. Follow these steps to repair it:

Remove the frame sash and pull it to the right until it's completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it and take out any nails sticking out from the end. With needle-nosed pliers, remove the nail and insert it into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the the hole and secure it using a nail set.

Re-install the sash and then install the beads for staff. Be sure to leave slack in the cords for the proper operation. Then, you can reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a great way to reduce the risk of draughts. Apply small amounts between the bead box for staff.

Once the sash and frame are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is typically made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty pliable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry before installing the sash again and painting the frame.

Broken sash cords

Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use cords of cotton or chains of metal connected to counterweights to help keep the sashes balanced within the window jamb. Over time, the chains may break and prevent the sashes from opening and close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Replacing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these issues in less than an hour.

Begin by removing the staff bead, which separates the lower and upper sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is driven through the knot and into the sash's casing to secure it. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads and then clean the caulk as well as the old cord residue and paint around the sash groove.

To open the window, pull one of the cords running through the sash to raise it up. Once you've pulled it as far as it can be then mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it to length using an utility knife. Once you're done, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove on the sash. Also, secure it to the sash with the knot.

If the sash isn't moving, cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash has been removed, you'll have to remove the access panels in the sash channels in order to expose the counterweights and pulley system. If the window is painted you may have to cut the seams with the hammer and chisel in order to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.

After removing the access panel you will see two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the weights on the front and back and then connect the sash cords to the weights using a self tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure it functions properly.

Drafts

Sash windows are an excellent way to add a touch old-fashioned charm to homes. However they can be a challenge to maintain. They can be difficult or impossible to close and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by winds, and letting drafts through. These problems could be caused by painted or swollen wood or sash cords that have rotted. There are many easy and cost-effective ways to address the problem and keep your windows operating effectively.

Disassembling an old sash is the first step in repair it. Take off the sash and frame, and ensure that all parts are in good order. Sand the wood to make it appear better and to prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can make the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still stuck using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off any paint layers. Adding a new sash windows set of tilt pins can also help improve the window's operation.

A sash window works by counterbalancing the weight of glass using weights passed over a pulley mechanism. These weights, typically constructed of cast iron, can be accessed via an access panel or pocket on the inner box lining. To prevent the weights from colliding, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure they don't collide.

It isn't easy to access these weights, since the sash's upper part can be sprayed shut and fixed with nails. However, if you are cautious and patient you can take off the sash by using bar clamps, reversed so that they disperse, to ease it out of the groove in the rail that connects it. It may take a few tapping and jiggling to pull it free however once you have it out, be sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to.

You can also change the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. replacing sash cords the balance of a double-hung sash is much simpler than it sounds, and you can do it yourself with the right tools and a replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Even the most well-maintained windows will eventually begin to show signs of rot. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it could be possible to repair it. If the rot has spread through the frame and even into the interior, and damaged structural elements it could be the time to replace the window.

If you have a rotten sill, it's important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to eliminate the old sill plate and studs. If the studs bear loads you may have to put in temporary supports. After removing the old sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill then replace it with the new board and secure it to the studs.

A sill that is rotten is not just unsightly, it can also lead to expensive repairs in the near future. It can, for example cause the sash that is hard to see to notice, to shift. This can result in cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a decayed sill could allow water to get into the wall which can cause mold and other problems.

It's not as difficult as it seems to repair a sill that is rotten. It is vital to maintain your window to avoid rot, therefore you should clean regularly the window tracks and sashes in order to keep them free of dirt and other debris. Apply a sealant to the frames of your windows to keep them dry. Additionally, you should utilize a dehumidifier to control moisture levels within your home, which can stop wooden sashes from swelling or sticking.

Sticking sashes are a common problem with sash windows. To resolve them you can apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray to the tracks of your windows to enable them to slide easily. If the sashes have become stuck because of paint buildup, you can use a utility knife to cut the paint layers and free the sashes.

Reinstalling the bead that is parting is another way to fix a stuck sash. If the sash is still stuck, you can try draught-proofing it. This process involves placing strips of rubber between the frame and sash that reduces airflow and improves the acoustic performance of the window.