Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. They can become drafty and troublesome as they age. Sash window repair is a great method to improve the functionality of your windows while keeping the original beauty of your windows.

The first step in repairing sash windows is to take off the "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that are located at the bottom of the frame and allow access to the weights.

Sashes damaged by abrasions

If your windows' sash are damaged or leaky and water, you'll need to go beyond repair the surface. You can save money by doing a more thorough repair, especially if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to repair them:

Stuck Issues

If the sash does not fit tightly within the frame, it's difficult to open or close the window. This can cause rattling noises and let drafts into your house.

To repair this, you can use a utility knife to score and cut off the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash oil, which will allow it to move easily.

Broken Sash Cords

In some cases, old double glazed sash windows-hung sashes use either cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords could break and make it difficult to lift the sash or keep it up. Follow these steps to fix the problem:

Pull the sash to the right and take it off the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it, and then remove any nails that are protruding from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers, and then insert it back into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the the hole and secure it using an nail set.

Re-install the sash and then install the beads for staff. Make sure you leave enough slack in the cords to allow for proper operation. Then, you can reinstall the balances and counterweights. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk may be placed between the staff bead and box.

Glazing putty can be used to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is typically made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty usable 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 utilize cords of cotton or chains of metal that are attached to counterweights to support and keep the sashes level in the window jamb. As time passes, the chains may break, preventing the sashes from opening and closing and makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. The cords of the sash can be replaced in less than hours.

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

To open the window, pull one of the cords that runs through the sash window locks with key and lift it up. When you've pulled it as far as it will go make a mark on the cord using a pencil and then cut it to length using an utility knife. When you finish, ensure that the new cord is aligned with the groove in the sash, and is secured to the sash frame by knotting it.

If the sash still isn't moving, you can cut the cords with your side cutters. When the sash is completely free, you'll need to remove the access panel in the sash channel in order to expose the pockets of sash weights, counterweights, and the 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.

Once you've removed your access panel, you can see the two cast-iron sash weights inside each pocket. Take the weights off the front and back and connect the sash cords to the weights with a self tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, it is necessary to reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley mechanism so that it works correctly.

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 even impossible to close and open and can be noisy in the breeze, and allowing drafts in. These issues can be caused by painted or swollen wood or sash cords that have rotted. There are several easy and cost-effective ways to fix these problems and keep your sash window functioning effectively.

Disassembling an old sash is the initial step to repairing it. Take off the sash and frame and ensure that all components are in good shape. Next, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and prevent draughts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still stuck using a utility knife, you can use it to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt-pins could improve the window's performance.

A sash window works by compensating the weight of the glass with the help of weights that are pushed through the pulley system. These weights, typically made of cast iron can be accessed through an access panel or pocket located within the lining of the box. A dividing strip is put within the window frame to keep the weights from colliding.

It isn't easy to access these weights, as the upper sash can be painted shut and fixed with nails. However, if you're patient and careful, you can remove the sash by using a pair of bar clamps that are reversed and spread apart, to ease it out of the groove in the meeting rail. It might take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it free however once you have it out, be sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) if necessary.

While you're at it, you can also replace the balance of the sash to make it 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 replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Even the best-maintained windows will eventually show signs of rot. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it could be possible to repair the window. If the rot has spread through the frame and even into the interior and has damaged structural parts, it may be time to replace the window.

It is essential to replace a rotten window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. If the studs bear loads, you may need to install temporary supports. After taking off the sill, clean any paint that remains on the sill plate. Once the sill is clean, replace it with a brand new board and nail it to the studs.

A rotten sill can be unsightly and lead to future expensive repairs. For example, it can cause the sash to shift and can be difficult to notice and can result in cracks or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill may also let water in the wall, causing mold.

replacing window sashes a rotten sill isn't as difficult as it might sound. To avoid rot, keep the window free of debris and dirt. Install a seal of protection on the window frames to keep them dry. You can also use a humidifier to control the moisture in your home. This will stop wooden sashes from forming or swelling.

Sash windows are often plagued by sashes that have become stuck. It is possible to fix this issue by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the tracks of your windows. This will help them slide along more easily. If the windows are stuck due to paint buildup, you can employ a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint and release the sashes.

Reinstalling the bead that is parting is another method to fix a stuck sash. If the sash is still stuck, you could try draught-proofing it. This is done by placing a rubber strip between the frame and sash that reduces air flow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.