Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch of luxury to any house. However, they can also be drafty and uncomfortable due to age or wear. Repairing sash windows is a great method to increase the functionality and maintain the original appeal of your windows.
The first step in fixing windows that have sash windows is to take off "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that sit low on the frame and allow access to the weights.
Damaged sashes
If your sash windows are damaged or leaky, you'll need to go beyond patch up the surface. Doing a thorough repair can save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some common problems with sash windows and how to repair them:
Problems with Sticking
It will be difficult to close or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit snugly into the frame. This could result in rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home.
To solve this issue, use an utility knife to cut and then cut away the paint line from the inside side of your sash. Be careful not to harm the wood. After that, you'll need apply a
sash window locks grease which will help it move more smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
Some old double glazed sash windows for listed buildings (
click now)-hung sashes have cotton or metal cords supporting the weights used lift and lower the sashes. Over time, the cords may break, making it difficult to lift or hold the sash up. Follow these steps to fix it:
Pull the sash to the right and then remove it from the frame. Cut the cord on the bottom of the sash, and then remove any nails that are sticking out from the end. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers, then reinsert it into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the cord into the hole and secure it with the nail set.
Re-install the
sash window replacement and then install the beads for staff. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords for the proper operation. Last but not least, put back the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a great method to minimize draughts. Apply a small amount between the bead boxes for staff.
When the frame and sash are repaired completely, cover them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is typically made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty pliable and not stick to your fingers. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling sash or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use cords of cotton or chains of metal attached to the counterweights that support and keep the sashes in balance within the window jamb. As time passes, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. Replacing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these problems within less than a half hour.
Remove the staff bead which is what separates the upper and lower sashes. You can take the bead off using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is driven through the knot and into the sash's casing to hold it in place. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads and then clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the sash groove.
To open the window, pull on one of the cords running through the sash and lift it up. When you've pulled it as far as it will go, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it into length with a utility knife. After you've finished, make sure that the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash. Also, secure it to the sash using the knot.
If the sash isn't moving you can cut the cords with 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 windows upvc weights, counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will need to score the seams with the hammer or chisel to take off the panel without damaging it.
After you have removed the access panel there are two cast-iron sashweights in each pocket. Remove the weights on the back and front, then tie the sash cords to the weights using self-tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and reset the pulley mechanism so that it works correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows are a fantastic way to add a touch history to older homes. However they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open or close and rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These issues are usually caused by swollen wood paint buildup, sash cords that have become rotted. There are a number of simple and cost-effective solutions to correct these issues and keep your sash window working correctly.
Disassembling an old sash is the initial step to repairing it. Remove the sash, as well as the frame, and make sure that all components are in good condition. Then, sand the wood to enhance its appearance and stop drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. The addition of a new set tilt pins could also enhance the window's functionality.
A sash window functions by counterbalancing the weight of the glass with the help of weights passed over a pulley system. The weights are typically cast iron and are accessed from an access panel or pocket cover that is located within the lining of the box of the window frame. A dividing strip is placed within the window frame to stop the weights from colliding.
Accessing these weights can be difficult as the upper sash is painted shut and can be nailed in the correct position. However, if you're cautious and patient you can take off the sash using a pair of bar clamps, reversed to spread apart, to ease it out of the groove in the rail that connects it. It might take a some jiggling and tapping to get it out however once you have removed it, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required.
While you're at it you could also replace the sash balance to make the window easier to open and close. It's much easier than you think to change the double-hung balance on a window. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the best-maintained windows can eventually begin to show signs of rot. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it may be possible to fix it. If it has gotten into the frame into the interior of the home and has caused structural damage, it is probably the right 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 take off the sill plates and studs. You may need to install temporary support when the studs are weighing. After removing the sill and cleaning any paint remaining from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill then replace it with the new one and nail it into the studs.
A rotten sill is not just ugly but it could also lead to expensive repairs in the near future. It can, for example, cause the sash, which is hard to spot, to shift. This can lead to cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a decayed sill can allow water to get into the wall, which could cause mold and other problems.
It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. To stop rot, you must keep the window clean and free of debris and dirt. You should also apply a sealant on the window frames to guard them from moisture. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier in order to control the moisture levels in your home. This will stop wooden sashes from swelling or sagging.
Sash windows are often plagued by stuck sashes. To fix them you can apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax to the tracks of your windows to enable them to slide easily.