Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch of elegance to any home. They can become drafty and difficult to repair as they age. Repairs to sash windows can be a great option for making them more functional and preserving the original elegance.

The first step in sash window sash repairs repair is to remove the "pocket covers". These are small pieces of wood that are located in the lower part of the frame to let the weights in.

Sashes that have been damaged

If your sash window is damaged or leaking, you will need to do more that just patch the surface. Doing a thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, particularly in the case of an older home with poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and how to fix it:

Problems with Sticking

It is difficult to shut or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit snugly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts in your house.

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 to harm the wood. Then, you'll want to apply a sash oil that will make it move more easily.

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. As time passes, the cords could break and make it difficult to lift the sash and keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:

Remove the frame sash and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sliding sash window locks (relevant site), then cut it and take out any nails that are protruding from the end. With needle-nosed pliers, take out the nail and place it into the side channel. Insert the knot of the the hole and secure it using the nail set.

Install the beads for staff and put them back in the sash. Be sure to leave slack in the cords for proper operation. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk could be placed between the bead of the staff and the box.

After the frame and sash window replacement are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made with linseed and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty dry completely before applying the sash back and painting the frame.

Broken sash cords

To balance and support the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes) cotton cords or chains are attached to the counterweights. Over time, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening or closing and makes it difficult to lower or raise the window. Replacing the sash's cords is an easy home fix that can solve the issue in less than an hour.

Start by removing the staff bead that divides the upper and lower sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot and then into the side of the sash casing to keep the bead in place, but you should be capable of removing it by using needle-nose pliers. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads and scrub off any paint, caulk and old cord residue around the sash groove.

To open the window pull one of the cords that run through the sash. When you've made it the maximum distance you can mark the cord with a pencil and cut it using an ordinary 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 still isn't moving, you can cut the cords using side cutters. Once the sash is liberated, you'll have to remove the access panels in the sash channels, exposing the pulley system and counterweights. If the window has been painted, you will need to score the seams using a hammer or chisel in order to remove the panel without damaging it.

Once you've removed your access panel, you can see the two sash weights made of cast iron inside each pocket. Take the weights off the front and back and connect the sash cords to the weights using self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, reconnect the sashweights and set the system to work properly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a bit of the past to older homes however, they also pose problems with maintenance. They can be difficult or even impossible to shut and open, rattling in the winds, and letting drafts in. These problems are often caused by swelling of the wood, paint buildup or sash cords that have become rotted. There are several easy and cost-effective methods to fix these problems and keep your sash window functioning correctly.

Disassembling an old sash is the first step in repair it. Remove the sash as well as the frame and make sure all components are in good working order. Then, sand down the wood to improve its appearance and prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can make the sash move more easily. If the sash remains stuck to the wall, use a utility knife to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt-pins can make the window more efficient.

A sash window functions by counterbalancing the weight of the glass with the help of weights that are passed through a pulley system. These weights are typically cast iron and can be reached via an access panel or pocket cover located inside the inner box lining of the window frame. To prevent the weights from colliding, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide.

It can be difficult to access these weights, as the upper sash can be painted shut and nailed into place. If you are diligent and cautious, you can pull the sash out by using a pair of bar clamps that have been sliced apart. It could take a little some tapping and jiggling to get it free, but once you have it removed, make sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to.

You can also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is much simpler than it sounds, and you can do it yourself using the appropriate tools and a replacement kit.

Rotten sill

In time, the old timbers will deteriorate and even the best-maintained windows made of sash will begin to show signs of decay. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it may be possible to fix the window. If, however, it has spread through the frame and into the interior of the house and has caused structural damage it's probably the time to replace it.

It is essential to replace a damaged window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is removing the old sill plates and studs. You may have to install temporary support in the event that the studs bear weight. After taking off the sill, clean any paint left on the sill plate. After the sill has been cleaned and dry, replace it with a new board and nail it to the studs.

A sill that is rotten can be unsightly and lead to costly repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash to move and can be difficult to detect and could result in cracks or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill can let water in the wall, causing mold.

It's not as difficult as it appears to replace a rotten sill. To avoid rot, keep the window free of debris and dirt. Apply a protective seal on the frames of the windows to keep them dry. You can also apply humidifiers to manage the humidity inside your home. This will stop wooden sash windows sashes from forming or swelling.

Sash windows are often plagued by sashes that have become stuck. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount wax or silicone to the tracks of your windows. This will make them slide easier. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use an utility knife to slice through the paint layers and remove the sashes.

Reinstalling the parting bead is another method to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash is stuck, you can consider draught-proofing it. This involves placing a strip of rubber between the frame of the sash and the sash. This will reduce airflow and improves acoustic qualities.