Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can add a stylish aesthetic to a home. However, they can also be drafty and difficult to clean due to wear and age. Repairing sash windows is a great option to improve functionality while maintaining the original beauty of your windows.
The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove the "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame, that allow access to the weights.
Damaged sashes
If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to do more than repair the surface. A more thorough repair can save you money in the long run, especially if you have a older home with poor insulation. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and how to repair them:
Sticking Issues
If the sash isn't fitted snugly within the frame, it's difficult to open or close the window. This can result in rattling noises and allow drafts to enter your home.
To resolve this, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the interior side of the sash. Then remove it. Be careful not to damage the wood. You'll then need to apply a sash lubricant that will help it move easily.
Broken Sash Cords
In certain instances, the old double-hung sashes are made of metal or cotton cords to support the weights that lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break, making it difficult to lift the sash and keep it up. Follow these steps to fix it:
Remove the sash from the frame and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash. Remove any nails that are sticking out from the end. Remove the nail using needle-nose pliers, then reinsert it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole and secure it with the nail set.
Install the beads on the staff and then install the sash. Be sure to leave plenty of for the cords to ensure proper operation. Then, you can reinstall the balances and counterweights. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk could be placed 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 using chalk and linseed. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the sash and painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To support and balance the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes), chains or cotton cords are affixed to counterweights. Over time, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening or closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. The sash cords can be replaced in less than an hours.
Start by removing the staff bead, which separates the upper and lower sashes. You can take the bead off using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is inserted through the knot and into the sash's casing to hold it in place. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads, and then clean the caulk as well as the old cord residue and paint around the groove of the sash.
To open the windows, pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've gotten as far as you are able to, mark the cord in pencil and cut it with a utility knife. When you're done making sure that the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash, and is tied to the frame of the sash with a knot.
If the sash is too high to move then you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and eliminate the old cords. Once the sash has been removed you'll need to take off the access panel within the sash channel to expose the pockets for sash weights, the counterweights, and 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 you've removed the access panel, you'll be able to see the two cast-iron sash weights in each pocket. Remove the weights on the front and back and then tie the sash cords to the weights with self-tightening knot. Once you have tied the new cords, reattach the sashweights and reset the system to function properly.
Drafts
Sash windows are a great option to add a touch of old-fashioned charm to homes. However they can be a challenge to maintain. They are often difficult or impossible to close and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by breeze, and allowing drafts in. These issues are usually caused by swelling of the wood, paint buildup or the sash cords have begun to rot. There are several easy and cost-effective methods to correct these issues and keep your sash window working effectively.
The first step in fixing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash as well as the frame and ensure that all components are in good working order. Sand the wood to make it look better and stop drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can make the sash move more easily. If the sash is still sticking, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers to release it. A new set of tilt-pins could enhance the window's performance.
Weights are passed over pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of a sash window. The weights are typically cast iron and are reached via an access panel or pocket cover located in the inner box lining of the frame. To stop the weights from crashing down, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure that they do not collide.
Accessing these weights can be tricky, as the upper sash has been painted shut and can be nailed in the correct position. If you are cautious and patient, you can remove the sash by using a pair of bar clamps spread apart. It may take a bit of tapping and jiggling to pull it out but once you've got removed it, make sure to examine 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 sash balance to make it easier to open and close. It's a lot easier than you imagine to replace 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 get worse and even the most well-maintained windows with sash can begin to exhibit signs of decay. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it could be possible to repair the window. If the rot has spread through the frame and even into the interior, and damaged structural parts, it may be time to replace the window.
If you've found a decayed sill, it's important to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is removing the old sill plates and studs. If the studs are load bearing they may require you to install temporary supports. After you have removed the sill, take off any remaining paint on the sill plate. When the sill is clean, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs.
A sill that is rotten can look ugly and could lead to costly repairs in the future. It can, for example, cause the sash, which is difficult to notice to notice, to shift. This can lead to cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. Additionally, pvc sash windows decayed sill could allow water get into the wall which could cause mold and other issues.
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 should regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them free from dirt and debris. Apply a protective seal on the frames of your windows to keep them dry. You can also apply a humidifier to regulate the humidity in your home. This will stop wooden sashes from forming or swelling.
Sashes that stick are a common problem with sash windows. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount wax or silicone to the tracks of your windows. This will allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup, you can make use of a utility knife cut through the layers of paint and release the sashes.
Reinstalling the parting bead is another way to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash remains stuck, you can try to draught proof it. This involves placing a strip of rubber between the frame and the sash. This helps to reduce airflow and improves acoustic qualities.