Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch of elegance to any home. They can become drafty and difficult to repair as they get older. Sash window repairs are a great way of enhancing functionality while maintaining the original elegance.
The first step in repairing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are bits of wood, tucked away on the frame, that allow access to the weights.
Sashes that have been damaged
If your sash window has been damaged or leaking or leaking, you'll need to do more that just patch the surface. Doing a thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older home with poor insulation. Here are some typical sash window problems and how to repair them:
Sticking Issues
If the sash isn't fitted well within the frame it will be difficult to open or close the window. This can cause rattling sounds and let drafts enter your home.
To repair this, you can use a utility knife to score and pry off the paint line from the interior side of your sash. Be careful not damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash lubricant, which will allow it to move smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
In some instances, older double-hung sashes utilize cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords can break, making it impossible to lift or keep the sash in place. To fix this issue, follow these steps:
Remove the frame sash and pull it to the right until it's completely open. Cut the cord in the middle of the sash and remove any nails sticking out from the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and insert it into the side channel. Insert the knot of the the hole and secure it with a nail set.
Install the staff beads and put them back in the sash. Be sure to leave slack in the cords to allow for optimal operation. Reinstall the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is a good way to prevent the risk of draughts. Apply a small amount between the staff bead box.
Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash once it has been repaired. Glazing putty is made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to make it workable, and not stick to your hands. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the sash, or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
Old double-hung (two sashes) windows utilize cords of cotton or chains of metal attached to the counterweights to support and keep the sashes level within the window jamb. Over time, the chains might break, preventing the sashes from opening and close. This makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. it. The sash cords can be replaced in less than hour.
Remove the staff bead that separates the upper from lower sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads and then clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the sash groove.
To open the window pull one of the cords that run through the sash. When you've pulled the cord to the maximum extent it can be, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it into length with a knife. When you finish, make sure the new cord lines up with the groove of the sash and that it's secured to the sash frame by a knot.
If the sash is still too high to move, you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and remove the old cords. Once the sash is free you'll need to take off the access panel within the sash channel to expose the pockets of sash weights, counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window is painted you might need to score the seams with a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
After you have removed the access panel there are two cast-iron sashweights in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and one on the front, and then tie each sash cord to a weight using self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and reset the pulley system so that it works correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows are an excellent option to add a touch of historical charm to older homes. However, they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open and close, rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These problems are usually caused by the swelling of wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have rotted. There are a variety of affordable and cost-effective solutions to address the problem and keep your sash windows working effectively.
Disassembling an old sash is the first step to repair it. Remove the sash, and frame, and ensure that all parts are in good condition. Then, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and prevent draughts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can help the sash move more easily. If the sash is still stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. The addition of a new set tilt pins can also improve the window's functionality.
A sash window works by counterbalancing the weight of the glass with the help of weights that are pushed through a pulley system. These weights are typically cast iron and are accessed from an access panel or pocket cover located within the lining of the box of the frame. To prevent the weights from colliding, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they do not collide.
Accessing these weights is difficult, since the upper sash has been painted shut and can be secured by nailing it in place. If you are diligent and cautious, you can remove the sash using a pair bar clamps that are spread apart. You may need to jiggle and tap to free it, but once it's out, inspect the sash and replace it if necessary with new rope.
While you're at it, you can also change the sash balance to make the window easier to open and close. It's much easier than you imagine to replace a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the best-maintained windows can eventually exhibit signs of rot. If the rot is limited to the sill, it might be possible to restore the window. If, however, it has progressed through the frame into the interior of the house and has damaged structural components it's likely the time to replace it.
If you've got rotten sill, it is important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load-bearing, you may need to install temporary supports. After removing the sill, remove any paint that remains on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with the new board and nail it into the studs.
A rotten sill may look ugly and could lead to costly repairs in the future. It could, for instance cause the sash, that is hard to see to notice, to shift. This can result in cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill can allow water to get into the wall, which can cause mold and other issues.
Replacing a sill that is rotten isn't as difficult as it might sound. To stop window sash repairs , you must keep the window free of dirt and debris. Apply a protective seal on the window frames to keep them dry. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels in your home. This will stop wooden sashes from swelling or sticking.
Sticky sashes are a frequent problem with sash windows. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the window tracks. This will allow them to slide along more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can use a utility knife to slice through the paint layers and remove the sashes.
Another way to solve stuck sash issues is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash is still sticking, you can also try draught-proofing it. This involves putting a rubber strip in the gaps between the frame and sash that reduces air flow and enhances the acoustic quality of the window.