Sash Windows Repair: A Simple Definition
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch elegance to any home. However, they can also be drafty and difficult to clean due to age or wear. Repairs to sash windows are a great way of making them more functional and preserving the original appearance.
The first step in sash window repair is to remove the "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that are located at the bottom of the frame and permit access to the weights.
Damaged sashes
If your windows' sash are damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to do more than just patch the surface. You'll save money by completing an extensive repair, especially if the home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and how to fix it:
Sticking Issues
It will be difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit snugly into the frame. This can result in rattling noises and allow drafts to enter your house.
To resolve this you can use a utility knife to cut the paint line on the inner side of the sash and pry it off. Be careful not to scratch the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash grease that will make it move more easily.
Broken Sash Cords
Some double-hung sashes that are old have cotton or metal cords supporting the weights used lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords may break, making it impossible to lift or keep the sash in place. Follow these steps to fix it:
Remove the sash from the frame and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it, and then remove any nails sticking out from the end. With needle-nosed pliers, take out the nail and then insert it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the cord into the hole and secure it using the 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 to allow for optimal operation. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. To minimize draughts small amount of decorators caulk can be placed between the staff bead and the box.
Once the sash and frame are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is typically made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to make it workable and not to stick to your hands. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling the sash and painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To balance and support the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes) chains or cotton cords are tacked to counterweights. As time passes, the cords might break, preventing the sashes from opening and close. This makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. it. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than an hours.
Take off the staff bead, which divides the upper and lower sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot and into the side of the sash casing to secure the bead, but you should be in a position to remove it using needle-nose pliers. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads, and clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the sash groove.
To open the window, pull on one of the cords that runs through the sash and lift it up. Once you've pulled it as far as it will be, mark the cord with a pencil and cut it to length using a knife. When you're done, make sure the new cord lines up with the groove of the sash and is connected to the frame with a knot.
If the sash isn't moving, cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash is removed, you'll have to remove the access panels inside the sash channels, exposing the pulley system and counterweights. If the window has been painted, you'll need to score the seams with the hammer or chisel to take off the panel without damaging it.
Once you've removed your access panel, you'll see the two cast-iron sash weights inside each pocket. Take timber sash windows on the back and the other on the front, and then tie each sash cord to a weight using a self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, it is necessary to reconnect the sash weights and then reset the pulley system so that it works correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a hint of the past to older homes however, they also pose problems with maintenance. They can be difficult to open or close and rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These issues are often caused by painted or swollen wood, or rotted sash cords. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective ways to fix these issues and keep your windows operating correctly.
Disassembling an old sash is a first step in repairing it. Remove the sash, and frame, and check that all parts are in good order. Sand down the wood to make it look better and stop drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. A new set of tilt pins can improve the window's performance.
Weights are passed over a pulley system to balance the weight of a sash window. These weights are usually cast iron and can be accessed from an access panel or pocket cover located inside the inner box lining of the frame. To stop the weights from crashing down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide.
It isn't easy to access these weights, since the sash's upper part can be sealed with paint and then nailed into place. However, if you are patient and careful you can easily remove the sash using bar clamps, reversed to disperse, to ease it out of its groove in the meeting rail. You may have to jiggle and tap to release it however, once it's gone you can inspect the sash and replace it if necessary with new rope.
While you're at it you could also replace the sash balance to make the window easier to open and close. It's not as difficult as you think to replace the double-hung balance on a window. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and replacement kit.
Rotten sill
In time, the old timbers will deteriorate and even the best-maintained sash windows will start to begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it may be possible to fix the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and even into the interior, and has damaged structural elements it could be time to replace the window.
It is essential to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to take off the old sill plates and studs. If the studs bear loads they may require you to build temporary supports. After removing the sill and cleaning any paint remaining from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill then replace it with the new one and then nail it into the studs.
A stained sill is not just ugly but can also lead to expensive repairs in the near future. For instance, it could cause the sash to shift and can be difficult to notice and can result in a cracked or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill may also allow water to enter the wall and cause mold.
It's not as difficult as it seems to repair a sill that is rotten. It is vital to maintain your window to avoid rot, therefore you must regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them clear of dirt and other debris. Also, you should apply a protective seal to the window frames to shield them from moisture. In addition, you must use a dehumidifier in order to control the moisture levels in your home. This can 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 small amounts of wax or silicone spray onto the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use an utility knife to cut the paint layers and remove the sashes.
Another way to solve a sticking sash is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash remains stuck, you can try draught proofing it. This is done by placing a piece of rubber between the frame and sash. This helps to reduce airflow and improves the acoustic properties.