Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a classy aesthetic to a home. They can become drafty and problematic as they get older. Repairing sash windows is a great option to improve functionality while maintaining the original beauty of your windows.
The first step in repairing sash window s is to take off the "pocket covers". These are small pieces of wood that are placed at the bottom of the frame and allow access to the weights.
Sashes damaged by abrasions
If your sash windows are damaged or leaky it is necessary to do more than patch up the surface. Doing a thorough repair will save you money in the long run, especially 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 them:
Problems with Sticking
It is difficult to shut or open the window if the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This could result in rattling sounds and let drafts enter your home.
To resolve this you can use a utility knife to score the paint line on the inner side of the sash. Then remove it. Be careful not to harm the wood. You'll then need to apply a sash oil, which will help it move along smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
Some old double-hung sashes are made of metal or cotton that support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, the cords can break, making it difficult to lift or hold the sash in place. Follow these steps to fix the problem:
Pull the sash to the right and then remove it from the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it and remove any nails protruding from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers, then reinsert it into the side channel. The knot of the cord should be tucked into the hole and secure it with a nail set.
Install the beads on the staff and then put them back in the sash. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords for optimal operation. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk could be applied between the staff bead and box.
Glazing putty can be used to fix the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty can be made with linseed and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make it workable, and not to stick to your hands. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the sash or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To balance and support the sashes of old double-hung windows (two sashes), chains or cotton cords are attached to the counterweights. Over time, the chains might break, preventing the sashes from opening or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Replacing the sash's cords is an easy home fix that will solve these problems in a matter of less than an hour.
Begin by removing the staff bead that separates the lower and upper sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot, and then into the sash's casing to keep the bead, however, you should be in a position to remove it using needle-nose pliers. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads and clean the caulk, old cord residue, and paint around the groove of the sash.
To open the window, pull one of the cords through the sash. Once you've pulled it to the maximum extent it can go make a mark on the cord using a pencil and cut it into length with a utility knife. After you've finished, make sure the new cord lines up with the groove in the sash and that it's connected to the frame with a knot.
If the sash is still too high to move then you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and eliminate the old cords. Once the sash is free you'll need to take off the access panel inside the sash channel to expose the pockets for sash weights, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window is painted you might need to score the seams with the hammer and chisel in order to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
After removing the access panel you will find two cast-iron sashweights in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the other on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight with a self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, you'll need connect the sash weights again and then reset the pulley system to ensure it functions properly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a touch of the past to older homes but they also present issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult to open and close and rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These problems are often caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have become rotted. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective solutions to address these issues and keep your sash window working effectively.
The first step in repairing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash and the frame and ensure that all parts are in good working order. Then, sand 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 is stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. The addition of a new set tilt pins could also enhance the window's functionality.
A sash window functions by compensating the weight of the glass by using weights that are pushed through a pulley system. The weights, typically constructed of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket in the inner lining of the box. To stop the weights from falling down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide.
It isn't easy to reach these weights since the sash's upper part can be sprayed shut and fixed with nails. However, if you're diligent and cautious, you can remove the sash by using a pair of bar clamps, reversed so that they disperse, to ease it out of its groove in the rails that meet. It may take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it free but once you've got it out, be sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to.
While you're at it, you could also replace the sash balance to make it easier to open and close. Replacing the balance of a double-hung window is a lot easier than it sounds, and you can do it yourself with the right tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the most well-maintained windows will eventually begin to show signs of decay. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it may be possible to restore the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and into the interior, and has damaged structural elements, it may be time to replace the window.
If you've found a decayed sill, you must to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is to remove the old sill plates and studs. If the studs are load-bearing they may require you to install temporary supports. After removing the sill and washing off any paint remaining from the sill plate. Once the sill is clean, replace it with a brand new board and nail it to 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 notice, to shift. This can result in a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. In addition, a rotten sill could allow water to be able to enter the wall, which could lead to mold and other issues.
It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. To avoid rot, keep the window free of dirt and debris. Apply a protective seal on the frames of your windows to keep them dry. In addition, you must use a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity levels in your home. This will stop wooden sashes from expanding or sticking.
Sash windows are often afflicted by sashes that have become stuck. 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 paint buildup you can use an utility knife to cut through the paint layers and free the sashes.
Another option to resolve a stuck sash is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash is stuck, you can try draught-proofing it. This involves putting a rubber strip between the frame and the sash which decreases airflow and improves the acoustic performance of the window.