by Mari Apodaca
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can add a stylish style to any home. They can become drafty and problematic as they age. Sash window repairs are a great way of enhancing functionality while maintaining the original beauty.
The first step in sash window repair is to take off the “pocket covers”. These are tiny pieces of wood that are placed at the bottom of the frame and allow access to the weights.
Sashes damaged by abrasions
If your sash windows have been damaged or leaky it is necessary to go beyond repair the surface. You’ll save money by performing a more thorough repair, especially if the home is old and has low insulation. Here are some typical issues with sash windows and the best way to fix them:
Stuck Issues
If the sash isn’t fitted tightly within the frame, it will be difficult to open or close the window. This could cause a rattling sound and let drafts in your home.
To solve this issue, use an utility knife to score and then cut away the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. Then, you’ll need to apply a sash lubricant which will help it move smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
In some cases, old double-hung sashes are made of cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords can break and make it difficult to lift the sash and keep it up. Follow these steps to repair 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 take out any nails that are protruding from the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and then insert it into the side channel. The knot of the cord should be tucked into the hole and secure it with a nail set.
Install the sash again and add the beads for staff. Make sure to leave enough slack on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk may be applied between the staff bead and box.
Glazing putty can be used to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is typically made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling the sash and painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
Old double-hung (two sashes) windows are made of chains made of metal or cotton that are attached to counterweights to help keep the sashes balanced in the window jamb. Over time, the chains could break and block 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 an hour.
Start by removing the staff bead that separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is driven through the knot and into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads and clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the groove of the sash.
To open the window pull one of the cords through the sash. When you’ve pulled the cord as far as it can be, mark the cord with a pencil and then cut it into length with a knife. When you’re done, be sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove of the sash. Also, tie it to the sash with the knot.
If the sash isn’t moving you can cut the cords using side cutters. Once the upvc sash is liberated, you’ll need to remove the access panels inside the sash channels in order to expose the pulley system and counterweights. If the window is painted, you might need to score the seams using a hammer and chisel 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. Take the weights off the back and front and then connect the sash cords to the weights with self-tightening knot. After you’ve tied the new cords, you can reattach the sashweights, and then reset the system to work correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a bit of the past to older homes but they also present issues with their 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, paint buildup or the sash cords have begun to rot. There are several easy and cost-effective solutions to address these issues and keep your sash window operating properly.
The first step in repairing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash and the frame and make sure all components are in good working order. Then, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and stop drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. Adding a new set of tilt pins can also improve the window’s functionality.
Weights are pushed across a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. These weights, which are typically constructed of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket within the lining of the box. To prevent the weights from falling down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don’t collide.
It can be difficult to get these weights out, as the upper sash can be painted shut and put in place. However, if you’re diligent and cautious, you can remove the sash with bar clamps, reversed so that they spread apart, to ease it out of the groove in the rails that meet. It could take a little some jiggling and tapping to get it free, but once you have removed it, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) if necessary.
You can also alter the balance of the upvc sliding sash windows to make it easier to open and shut the window. replacing sash cords the balance of a double-hung sash is much easier than it seems, and you can do it yourself using the appropriate tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
In time, the old timbers will get worse and even the most well-maintained windows made of sash will begin to show signs of decay. If the rot is limited to the sill, it may be possible to fix the window. However, if it has spread through the frame into the interior of the house and has caused structural damage, it is probably the right time to replace it.
It is essential to replace a damaged window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is to take off the old sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support in the event that the studs bear weight. After taking off the sill, clean any remaining paint on the sill plate. After the sill has been cleaned, replace it with a new board and attach it to the studs.
A rotten sill may look ugly and could lead to costly repairs in the future. For instance, it could cause the sash to shift, which can be difficult to notice and can cause cracks or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill can allow water to get into the wall and cause mold.
It’s not as difficult as it seems to fix a damaged sill. To prevent rot you must keep the window clean and free of dirt and debris. Apply a protective seal 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.
Sash windows are usually plagued by sashes that are stuck. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the window tracks. This will allow them to slide along more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use an utility knife to cut through the paint layers and remove the sashes.
Reinstalling the parting beads is another option to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash is still sticking, you can also consider draught-proofing it. This involves putting a rubber strip in the gaps between the frame and sash that reduces air flow and improves the acoustic performance of the window.