Why You Should Concentrate On Making Improvements To Sash Windows Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch luxury to any house. They can become drafty and problematic as they age. Sash window repairs can be a great option for improving functionality and maintaining the original elegance.

The first step in sash window repair is to take off the "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that sit at the bottom of the frame and permit access to the weights.

Sashes damaged by abrasions

If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air, you'll need to go beyond patch up the surface. You'll save money by doing a more thorough repair, particularly if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some common sash window problems and how 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 repair this, you can use a utility knife to score and then cut away the paint line from the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash lubricant, which will help it move along smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

In some cases, old double glazed sash windows wood-hung sashes utilize cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights that raise and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords may break, making it difficult to lift the sash and keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:

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, cut it and remove any nails that are protruding from the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and insert it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it with an nail set.

Re-install the sash and then install the beads for staff. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to allow for the proper operation. Finally, reinstall the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent method to minimize the risk of draughts. Apply small amounts of caulk between the staff bead box.

Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is typically made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make it workable, and not stick to your hands. Let the putty dry completely before applying the sash back and painting the frame.

Broken sash cords

Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use cords of cotton or chains of metal attached to the counterweights to help keep the sashes balanced in the window jamb. As time passes, the chains may break, preventing the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix the issue in a matter of less than an hour.

Take off the staff bead, which is what separates the upper and lower sashes. You can take the bead off using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is driven through the knot into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any rusty nails from the stop beads and clean off any paint, caulk and old cord residue that has accumulated around the groove in the sash.

To open the window pull one of the cords that run through the sash. Once you've pulled it as far as it can be then mark the cord with a pencil and then cut it to length using a knife. When you finish, make sure the new cord matches with the groove in the sash and that it's secured to the sash frame by knotting it.

If the sash isn't moving, you can cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash is free it is necessary to remove the access panel within the sash channel in order to expose the pockets for sash window locks with key weights, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window is painted, you may need to score the seams using a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.

After you have removed the access panel there are two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight by using a self-tightening knot. Once you have tied the new cords, reattach the sashweights and set the system to work properly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a hint of history to older homes, but they also pose problems with maintenance. They can be difficult to open or close and can rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These issues are usually caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or the sash cords have begun to rot. There are several easy and cost-effective methods to address these issues and keep your sash window working correctly.

Disassembling an old sash is the initial step to repairing it. Remove the sash and the frame and ensure that all parts are in good shape. Sand the wood to make it appear better and to prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can make the sash move more easily. If the sash still sticks to the wall, use a utility knife to cut any paint layers. Adding a new set of tilt pins could also enhance the window's performance.

Weights are passed over a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. These weights are usually cast iron and can be accessible via an access panel or pocket cover in the inner box lining of the window frame. To stop the weights from falling down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure that they don't collide.

It isn't easy to reach these weights because the sash on top can be painted shut and put in place. However, if you are diligent and cautious you can take off the sash by using bar clamps, reversed so that they break apart, allowing it out of the groove in the meeting rail. It could take a little some tapping and jiggling to get it free however once you have removed it, make sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required.

You can also change the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. It's not as difficult as you imagine to replace a double glazed sash windows wood-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Even the best-maintained windows will eventually exhibit signs of decay. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it may be possible to repair it. If the rot has spread to the frame and into the interior, and damaged structural parts it could be time to replace the window.

If you have a rotten sill, you must to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After taking the old sill off and cleaning any paint remaining from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with a new board and then nail it into the studs.

A rotten sill is not only unsightly, it can also lead to expensive repairs in the future. For instance, it could cause the sash to move and can be difficult to detect and could cause a cracked or bowed glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water to be able to enter the wall, which could cause mold and other issues.

It's not as difficult as it seems to replace a rotten sill. To stop rot, you must keep the window free of debris and dirt. You should also apply a sealant that is protective to the frames of your windows to shield them from moisture. You can also use a humidifier to regulate the humidity inside your home. This will prevent wooden sashes from forming or swelling.

Sash windows are often plagued by sashes that have become stuck. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount silicone or wax to the window tracks. This will help them slide along more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you could employ a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint and release the sashes.

Reinstalling the parting bead is another way to fix a stuck sash. If the sash remains sticking, you can also try draught-proofing the sash. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the frame of the sash and the sash. This will reduce airflow and improves the acoustic properties.