Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant style to any home. However, they can be drafty and difficult to clean due to wear and age. Sash window repair is a great option to improve functionality while maintaining the original appeal of your windows.

The first step to repairing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame that give access to the weights.

Sashes that have been damaged

If your sash window has been damaged or leaks, you will need to do more than patch the surface. A more thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older house that 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 well within the frame it's difficult to open or close the window. This could result in rattling sounds and let drafts in your home.

To fix this, use an utility knife to cut and pry off the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. After that, you'll need apply a sash oil that will help it move more easily.

Broken Sash Cords

In some instances, older double glazed sash window-hung sashes utilize cotton or metal cords to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords can break, rendering it impossible to lift or keep the sash in place. Follow these steps to fix it:

Move the sash right and take it off the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash. Remove any nails that are sticking out from the end. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers, then insert it back into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it with an nail set.

Re-install the sash and install the beads for staff. Be sure to leave plenty of slack on the cords to ensure proper operation. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk can be applied between the bead of the staff and the box.

Glazing putty can be used to repair the sash once it has been repaired. Glazing putty can be made with linseed and chalk. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry before applying the sash back and painting the frame.

Broken sash cords

Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use cotton cords or metal chains that are attached to counterweights to support and keep the sashes balanced in the window jamb. As time passes, the cords might break, preventing the sashes from opening or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. The sash cords can be replaced in less than hours.

Begin by removing your staff bead that separates the lower and upper 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 secure it. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads, and then clean the caulk, 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 be, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it to length using a knife. When you're done, make sure the new cord matches with the groove in the sash and is secured to the mock sash upvc windows (url) frame by knotting it.

If the sash isn't moving, cut the cords using your side cutters. Once the sash is freed, you will have to take off the access panels in the sash channels to expose the pulley system and counterweights. If the window has been painted, you will have to cut the seams with either a hammer or chisel, in order to remove the panel without damaging it.

After removing the access panel there are two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the other on the front, then tie each sash cord to a weight using a self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, reconnect the sashweights and set the system to function properly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a touch of history to older homes, however, they also pose maintenance challenges. They are often difficult or impossible to close and open and can be noisy in the breeze, and allowing 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 the problem and keep your sash windows functioning correctly.

Disassembling an old sash is a first step to repair it. Remove the sash as well as the frame, and ensure that all parts are in good condition. Then, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and to prevent draughts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash still sticks using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off any paint layers. A new set of tilt pins could also enhance the window's operation.

Weights are passed over pulleys in order to balance the weight of windows with sash. These weights are usually cast iron and are accessed from an access panel or pocket cover 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 is difficult, since the upper sash is painted shut and is nailed into the correct position. If you're patient and careful, you can remove the sash window refurbishment using bar clamps, reversed so that they spread apart, to ease it out of the groove in the rail that connects it. It could take a little few tapping and jiggling to pull it free but once you've got removed it, make sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to.

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 imagine to replace a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Even the most well-maintained windows will eventually begin to show signs of decay. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it may be possible to restore it. 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 crucial to replace a damaged window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to eliminate the old sill plate and studs. You may need to install temporary support in the event that the studs bear weight. After taking off the sill, clean any remaining paint on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with the new one and then nail it into the studs.

A sill that is rotten can be unsightly and lead to future expensive repairs. It could, for instance cause the sash, which is difficult to notice to see, to move. This could lead to cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. A sill that is rotten may allow water to enter the wall and cause mold.

It's not as difficult as it appears to fix a damaged sill. It is crucial to maintain the window to avoid rot. Therefore, you must regularly clean the windows' tracks and sashes to keep them free of dirt and debris. You should also apply a protective seal to the frames of your windows to protect them from moisture. You can also apply a humidifier to regulate the humidity inside your home. This will prevent the wooden sashes from sticking or expanding.

Sashes that stick are a common issue with windows made of sash. To fix them, you can apply small amounts of silicone spray or wax to the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you can use a utility knife to cut through the paint layers and free the sashes.

Another method to fix a sticking sash is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash still sticks you can try making it draught-proof. This involves putting strips of rubber between the sash and frame which decreases air flow and enhances the acoustic performance of the window.