sash window restoration Window Repair

Sash windows add a classy aesthetic to a home. They can become drafty and difficult to repair as they age. Sash window repairs can be a great option for enhancing functionality while maintaining the original appearance.

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

Damaged sashes

If your sash window has been damaged or leaking it is necessary to do more that just patch the surface. You can save money by completing a more thorough repair, especially if the home is older and has poor insulation. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to fix them:

Problems with Sticking

If the sash isn't fitted well within the frame it will be difficult to open or close the window. This could result in rattling sounds and let drafts enter your home.

To fix this, use an utility knife to cut and cut off the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash oil, which will allow it to move smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

Some double-hung sashes that are old are made of metal or cotton that support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords may break and make it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:

Remove the frame sash and pull it to the right until it's completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it and remove any nails sticking out from the end. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers, then reinsert it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole, and secure it using a nail set.

Install the beads on the staff and then install the sash. Make sure to leave enough slack on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Install the counterweights and balances. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk can be applied between the staff bead and box.

Once the sash and frame are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is usually made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty 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 connected to counterweights to support and keep the sashes level within the window jamb. As time passes, the cords may break, preventing the sashes from opening or closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than a few hour.

Begin by removing the staff bead, which separates the upper and lower sashes. You can take the bead off using needle-nose pliers. A nail is inserted through the knot into the sash's casing to secure it. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads, and then clean off any paint, caulk and old cord traces around the groove of the sash.

To open the window sash repairs, pull on one of the cords that runs through the sash to raise it up. When you've pulled it as far as it can go, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it into length with an utility knife. After you've finished, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove of the sash. Also, tie it to the sash with the knot.

If the sash remains too high to move it, you can use sharp side cutters to cut and remove the old cords. After the sash is liberated, you'll have to remove the access panels within the sash channels, exposing the pulley system and counterweights. If the window has been painted, you'll need to score the seams with either a hammer or chisel, to take off the panel without damaging it.

After removing the access panel you will see two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Take the weights off the back and front, then connect the sash cords to the weights using self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to reconnect the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a bit of historical charm to older homes, but they also present issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult to open and close and can rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These problems are often caused by swollen or painted wood or sash cords that are rotten. There are many easy and cost-effective ways to repair these issues and keep your windows operating effectively.

Disassembling an old sash is a first step in fixing it. Take off the sash and frame, and ensure whether all parts are in good condition. Then, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and stop draughts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still sticking, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. A new set of tilt-pins can improve the window's performance.

Weights are passed over pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. These weights are typically cast iron and can be reached via an access panel or pocket cover in the inner box lining of the frame. To stop the weights from colliding, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure that they do not collide.

Accessing these weights can be tricky, as the upper sash is sealed and is nailed into the correct position. If you're diligent and cautious you can easily remove the sash using bar clamps, reversed to spread apart, to ease it out of its groove in the rails that meet. It may take a some jiggling and tapping to get it free but once you've got it removed, make sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) If you need to.

While you're at the same time, you can also replace the balance of the sash to make the window easier to open and close. It's not as difficult as you think to replace the balance of a double-hung window. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Even the best-maintained windows can eventually exhibit signs of rot. If the rot is limited to the sill, it might be possible to repair the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and into the interior, and has damaged structural parts it could be time to replace the window.

It is essential to replace a damaged window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to take off the sill plate that was previously installed and studs. If the studs are load bearing you may have to build temporary supports. After removing the sill, remove any remaining paint on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill then replace it with the new board and then nail it into the studs.

A rotten sill can be unsightly and lead to future costly repairs. It can, for example cause the sash, that is hard to see, to shift. This can lead to a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. A sill that is rotten may let water in the wall and cause mold.

It's not as difficult as it appears to fix a damaged sill. It is vital to maintain your window to avoid rot. Therefore, you should clean regularly the window tracks and sashes to keep them clear of dirt and debris. Apply a sealant to the frames of your windows to keep them dry. You can also use humidifiers to manage the humidity inside your home. This will stop wooden sash windows sashes from forming or swelling.

Sashes that stick are a common problem with sash windows. To get them out of the way, you can apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax onto the window tracks to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can employ a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint and free the sashes.

Reinstalling the bead that is parting is another way to fix a stuck sash. If the sash still sticks you can try making it draught-proof. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the frame of the sash and the sash. This helps to reduce airflow and improves the acoustic properties.