Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch of class to any home. However, they can also be drafty and uncomfortable due to age or wear. Repairs to sash windows are a great method of enhancing functionality while maintaining the original elegance.

The first step to repairing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are small pieces of wood that are placed at the bottom of the frame and let the weights in.

Sashes that have been damaged

If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to do more than just patch up the surface. You will save money by completing a more thorough repair, especially if your home is old and has low insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and how to fix them:

Problems with Sticking

It is difficult to close or open the window in the event that the upvc sash does not fit properly into the frame. This can cause rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home.

To repair this, you can use a utility knife to score and pry off the paint line from the inside side of your sash. Be careful not damage the wood. Then, you'll want to apply a sash oil that will allow it to move more smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

Some double-hung sashes from the past have cotton or metal cords supporting the weights used 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 frame sash and pull it to the right until it's completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, cut it and remove any nails sticking out from the end. With needle-nosed pliers, take out the nail and place it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole and secure it with a nail set.

Install the staff beads and install the sash. Make sure you leave enough slack in the cords for proper operation. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk can be applied between the staff bead and box.

After the frame and sash are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry 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 affixed to counterweights. Over time, the cords may break and prevent the sashes from opening or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Replacing the sash cords is a simple home fix that can solve these problems in a matter of less than an hour.

Take off the staff bead, which separates the upper from lower sashes. A nail is usually driven through the knot and into the sash's casing to hold the bead, but you should be capable of removing it using needle-nose pliers. Remove any rusty nails from trafts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash window restoration is still stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. The addition of a new set tilt pins could also enhance the window's performance.

A sash window operates by counterbalancing the weight of the glass by using weights passed over a pulley system. These weights, usually constructed of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket located within the lining of the box. To stop the weights from colliding, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure that they do not collide.

Accessing these weights is tricky, as the upper sash has been painted shut and is nailed into place. If you're patient and careful you can take the sash off using a pair bar clamps that have been sliced apart. You may need to tap and jiggle it to free it however, once it's gone examine the sash and replace it with new rope.

You can also alter the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. It's a lot easier than you think to replace the balance of a double-hung window. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and a replacement sash windows kit.

Rotten sill

Over time, old timbers become damaged and even the best-maintained sash windows will start to exhibit signs of rot. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it might be possible to repair the window. However, if it has gotten into the frame into the interior of the house and has damaged structural members, it is probably time for a replacement.

It is important to replace a rotten window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is to take off the sill plates and studs. You may have to install temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After removing the old sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. Once the sill is clean then replace it with a new board and nail it to the studs.

A rotten sill is not only unsightly but can also lead to expensive repairs in the near future. For example, it can cause the sash Windows Repair to shift which is difficult to notice and can result in cracks or bowed glass pane. A sill that is rotten may allow water to enter the wall, causing mold.

Replacing a sill that is rotten is not as hard as it sounds. To stop rot, you must keep the window free of dirt and debris. Install a seal of protection on the frames of your windows to keep them dry. You can also utilize humidifiers to manage the humidity in your home. This will prevent wooden sashes sticking or swelling.

upvc sash windows windows are often plagued 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 enable them to slide easily. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you can use a utility knife to cut the paint layers and release the sashes.

Reinstalling the parting bead is another option to repair a sash that is stuck. If the sash is still stuck you can try making it draught-proof. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the sash frame and the sash. This helps to reduce airflow and enhances the acoustic quality.