Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch luxury to any house. They can become drafty and difficult to repair as they get older. Sash window repairs are a great method of improving functionality and maintaining the original elegance.
The first step to repairing windows that have sash windows is to take off "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 will save you money in the long run, particularly when you live in an older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to repair them:
Sticking Issues
It will be difficult to close or open the window if the sash does not fit tightly into the frame. This could result in rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home.
To fix this, use an utility knife to score and then cut away the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash lubricant, that will help it move smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
In some instances, older double-hung sashes use either cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights that lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break and make it difficult to lift the sash or keep it up. To fix this issue, follow these steps:
Pull the sash to the right and take it off the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash and remove any nails that are sticking out from the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and insert it into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the the hole and secure it with an nail set.
Install the beads for staff and put them back in the sash. Make sure to leave enough space on the cords to ensure proper operation. Reinstall the balances and counterweights. To minimize draughts small amount of decorators caulk could be placed between the staff bead and the 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 with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling the sash, or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
Old double-hung (two sashes) windows utilize cotton cords or metal chains attached to the counterweights that support and keep the sashes in balance in the window jamb. Over time, the chains could break and block the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. The cords of the sash can be replaced in less than an hours.
Start by removing the staff bead that separates the upper and lower sashes. You can take the bead off using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is driven 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 sash groove.
To open the window, pull on one of the cords running through the sash and lift it up. When you've made it as far as you are able to make a mark on the cord in pencil and cut it out using an ordinary knife. When you're done, be sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove on the sash. Also, secure it to the sash by knotting a knot.
If the sash remains too high to move it, you can use sharp side cutters to cut and eliminate the old cords. When the sash is completely free you'll need to take off the access panel in the sash channel in order to expose the pockets for sash weights, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will have to cut the seams using a hammer or chisel to take off the panel without damaging it.
After removing the access panel, there are two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Remove the weights on the back and front and then tie the sash cords onto the weights using a self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, you'll need connect the sash weights again and reset the pulley mechanism to ensure it functions properly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a hint of historical charm to older homes, however, they also pose problems with maintenance. They can be difficult to open and close and rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These problems can be caused by swollen or painted wood, or rotted sash cords. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective ways to repair the problem and keep your sash windows functioning correctly.
Disassembling an old sash is the first step to repairing it. Remove the sash as well as the frame and ensure that the components are in good working order. sash window repairs near me to make it look better and stop drafts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck to the wall, use a utility knife to cut off any paint layers. Adding a new set of tilt pins can also improve the window's performance.
Weights are placed over pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of windows with sash. The weights are typically cast iron and can be accessible via an access panel or pocket cover within the lining of the box of the window frame. To prevent the weights from crashing down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure that they do not collide.
It can be difficult to reach these weights as the upper sash can be sealed with paint and then put in place. If you're diligent and cautious, you can pull the sash out by using a pair of bar clamps spread apart. You may need to tap and jiggle to free it however, once it's gone you can 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 close the window. It's a lot 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 a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
In time, the old timbers will become damaged and even the best-maintained sash windows will start to begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is limited to the sill, it might be possible to fix the window. If the rot has gotten into the frame and into the interior, and damaged structural elements it could be the time to replace the window.
It is essential to replace a damaged window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is to take off the sill plates and studs. If the studs bear loads you may have to install temporary supports. After taking off the sill, clean any paint left on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new board and then nail it into the studs.
A sill that is rotten can be unsightly and lead to future costly repairs. It can, for example, cause the sash, which is hard to spot, to shift. This could lead to cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. In addition, a rotten sill could allow water to get into the wall, which could cause mold and other issues.
Replacing a rotten sill is not as hard as it may sound. It is vital to keep the window well-maintained to avoid rot, therefore you should clean regularly the window tracks and sashes to keep them clear of dirt and debris. Also, you should apply a sealant to the window frames to shield them from moisture. You can also utilize humidifiers to manage the humidity inside your home. This will prevent wooden sashes sticking or swelling.
Sash windows are often plagued by stuck sashes. To fix them you can apply small amounts of wax or silicone spray to the window tracks to enable them to slide easily. If the sashes have become stuck due to paint buildup you can use a utility knife to slice through the paint layers and release the sashes.
Another way to solve stuck sash issues is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash is still stuck it is possible to try draught proofing it. This is done by placing a rubber strip in the spaces between the frame and the sash which decreases airflow and improves the acoustic quality of the window.