Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. However, they can also be drafty and uncomfortable due to wear and age. Sash window repairs are a great way of improving functionality and maintaining the original appearance.

The first step in fixing windows that have sash windows is to take off "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood, low down on the frame that give access to the weights.

Damaged sashes

If your sash window has been damaged or leaking, you will need to do more than just patch the surface. You can save money by completing an extensive repair, especially if your home is older and has low insulation. Here are some typical sash window problems and how to repair them:

Stuck Issues

It is difficult to shut or open the window if the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This can cause rattling noises and let drafts into your home.

To fix this issue, use a utility knife to cut the paint line on the inside side of the sash. Then take it off. Be careful not to damage the wood. You'll then need to apply a sash oil, which will allow it to move easily.

Broken Sash Cords

Some old double-hung sashes are made of metal or cotton supporting the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords may break and make 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 is completely open. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash, and then remove any nails that are 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 using a nail set.

Re-install the sash and then install the beads for staff. Be sure to leave slack in the cords to ensure optimal operation. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a good way to prevent the amount of draughts. Apply a small amount between the bead box for staff.

Once the sash and frame are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is typically made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix with 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. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than a few hour.

Begin by removing your staff bead that separates the lower and upper sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. A nail is inserted through the knot into the sash's casing to hold it in place. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads and scrub off caulk, paint, and old cord residue around the groove of the sash and case window repairs to slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck using a utility knife, you can use it to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt pins can enhance the window's performance.

A sash window operates by counterbalancing the weight of glass with the help of weights that are pushed through the pulley system. These weights are usually cast iron and can be reached via an access panel or pocket cover within the lining of the box of the window frame. To stop the weights from crashing down, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure they do not collide.

It can be difficult to get these weights out, because the sash on top can be sprayed shut and fixed with nails. However, if you are cautious and patient you can easily remove the sash window restoration near me with bar clamps that are reversed and break apart, allowing it out of its groove in the rail that connects it. You may have to jiggle and tap to loosen it however, once it's gone examine the sash and replace it with new rope.

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 much 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 show signs of rot. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it could be possible to restore the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and 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 further damage to the window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. You may have to install temporary support in the event that the studs bear weight. After removing the sill, clean off any paint remaining from the sill plate. When the sill is clean, replace it with a new board and nail it to the studs.

A stained sill is not just ugly, it can cause costly repairs in the future. For instance, it could cause the sash to shift and can be difficult to notice and can lead to cracks or broken glass pane. A rotten sill may also allow water to get into the wall, causing mold.

It's not as difficult as it appears to repair a sill that is rotten. To avoid rot, keep the window free of debris and dirt. Also, you should apply a protective seal to the window frames to protect them from moisture. You can also use a humidifier to regulate the humidity in your home. This will prevent wooden sashes from forming or swelling.

Sash windows are often afflicted by stuck sashes. This issue can be fixed by applying a small amount silicone or wax 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 use a utility knife to cut through the paint layers and remove the sashes.

Another way to solve a sticking sash is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash is still sticking, you can also try draught-proofing it. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the sash frame and sash. This will reduce airflow and enhances the acoustic quality.