Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch luxury to any house. However, they can also be drafty and difficult to clean due to age or wear. Sash window repairs are a great method of improving functionality and maintaining the original elegance.

The first step in repairing sash windows is to take off the "pocket covers". These are small pieces of wood that sit low on the frame and let the weights in.

Sashes damaged by abrasions

If your windows' sash are damaged or leaking air it is necessary to do more than repair the surface. Performing a more comprehensive repair will save you money in the long run, especially when you live in an older home with poor insulation. Here are some common sash window problems and how to fix them:

Stuck Issues

If the sash does not fit well within the frame it's difficult to open or close the window. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts into your home.

To repair this, you can use a utility knife to cut and then cut away the paint line from the inside 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 along smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

In certain instances, the old double-hung sashes use either metal or cotton cords to support the weights that lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords can break and make it difficult to lift the sash or keep it up. Follow these steps to fix it:

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

Install the beads on the staff and then reinstall the sash. Make sure to leave enough space on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Install the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a good way to reduce draughts. Apply small amounts of caulk between the staff bead box.

After the frame and sash are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry before applying the sash back and 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 help keep the sashes balanced in the window jamb. As time passes, the chains may break, preventing the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to raise or lower the window. Replacing the sash cords is an easy home fix that will solve these issues in a matter of less than an hour.

Start by removing the staff bead that separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to hold it in place. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads, and then clean off any paint, caulk and old cord residue that has accumulated around the groove of the sash.

To open the window pull one of the cords running through the sash. When you've pulled the cord to the maximum extent it can go then mark the cord with a pencil and cut it into length with a knife. Once you're done, make sure that the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash. Also, tie it to the sash by knotting the knot.

If the sash remains 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 inside the sash channel to expose the sash windows refurbishment weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will need to score the seams with a hammer or chisel to take off the panel without damaging it.

After removing the access panel there are two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight with self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and reset the pulley mechanism to ensure it functions properly.

Drafts

Sash windows are a great way to add some history to older homes. However, they can be difficult to maintain. They are often difficult or impossible to open and close and can be noisy in the winds, and letting drafts through. These problems are usually caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have become rotted. There are a number of simple and cost-effective methods to address these issues and keep your sash window functioning properly.

The first step in fixing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Take off the sash and frame, and check whether all parts are in good order. Sand the wood to make it appear better and stop drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash still sticks to the wall, use a utility knife to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt pins can improve the window's performance.

Weights are passed over pulleys in order to balance the weight of a sash window. These weights, typically constructed of cast iron, are accessible via an access panel or pocket on the inner box lining. A dividing strip is inserted inside the window frame to keep the weights from colliding.

The process of removing these weights can be tricky, as the upper sash is painted shut and can be secured by nailing it in place. However, if you're cautious and patient you can easily remove the sash using bar clamps, reversed so that they disperse, to ease it out of its groove in the rails that meet. It may be necessary to tap and jiggle to free it but once it's free, inspect the sash and replace it if necessary with new rope.

You can also change the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. replacing window sashes the balance of a double-hung sash is much simpler than it sounds and you can do it yourself using the proper tools and 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 rot. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it may be possible to fix it. If the rot has gotten into the frame and even into the interior, and damaged structural parts it could be the time to replace the window.

It is important to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to take off the sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After taking the old sill off, clean off any paint remaining from the sill plate. Once the sill is clean, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs.

A sill that is rotten can be unsightly and lead to future costly repairs. For example, it can cause the sash window replacement to move, which can be difficult to detect and could cause cracks or broken glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water to get into the wall which could cause mold and other issues.

Replacing a damaged or rotting sill is not as hard as it may sound. To prevent rot you must keep the window clean and free of debris and dirt. Apply a sealant to the window frames to keep them dry. Additionally, you should utilize a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture levels in your home. This will stop wooden double glazed sash windows sashes from expanding or sagging.

Sash windows are often plagued by stuck sashes. To fix them, you can apply small amounts of wax or silicone spray onto the window tracks to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can use an utility knife to slice through the paint layers and release the sashes.

Reinstalling the parting beads is another method to get rid of a stuck sash window restoration. If the sash remains stuck, you can try draught-proofing it. This is done by placing a rubber strip in the gaps between the sash and frame which decreases air flow and enhances the acoustic performance of the window.