Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. However, they can also be problematic and drafty due to age or wear. Repairs to windows with sash are a great method of making them more functional and preserving the original elegance.

The first step in repairing sash windows is to take off the "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that are located in the lower part of the frame to let the weights in.

Damaged sashes

If your sash window is damaged or leaks it is necessary to do more than patch the surface. You will save money by doing a more thorough repair, especially if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and the best way to fix them:

Sticking Issues

If the sash doesn't fit snugly within the frame, it will be difficult to open or close the window. This could cause rattling sounds and allow drafts to enter your home.

To get rid of this issue, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the inner side of the sash, then take it off. Be careful not damage the wood. After that, you'll need apply a sash grease which will help it move more smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

In some instances, older double-hung sashes use either metal or cotton cords to support the weights that lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break, making it impossible to raise or keep the sash 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 on the bottom of the sash. Remove any nails sticking out of the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and place it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole and secure it with an nail set.

Re-install the sash and install the beads for staff. Make sure to leave enough slack on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Reinstall the balances and counterweights. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk can be placed between the staff bead and box.

Glazing putty is a great option to fix 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 that support and keep the sashes balanced within the window jamb. Over time, the chains may break and prevent the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Repairing the sash cords is an easy home fix that will solve these issues in a matter of less than an hour.

Remove the staff bead which is what separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is driven 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 clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the groove of the sash.

To open the window, pull on one of the cords that runs through the sash to raise it up. When you've made it as far as you can make a mark on the cord in pencil and cut it with an ordinary knife. When you're done, be sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove on the sash. Also, tie it to the sash using a knot.

If the sash still isn't moving, you can cut the cords using side cutters. Once the sash is free you'll need to take off the access panel inside the sash channel in order to expose the pockets of sash weights, counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will have to cut the seams using the hammer or chisel to take off the panel without damaging it.

After removing the access panel, there are two sashweights made of cast iron in 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 reset the system to work properly.

Drafts

Sash windows are a great way to add some history to older homes. However, they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult or impossible to open and close, rattling in the wind, and letting drafts in. These problems are often caused by swollen or painted wood or sash cords that have rotted. There are many affordable and cost-effective solutions to address the problem and keep your sash windows functioning effectively.

The first step in fixing an old sash window repair near me window is disassembling it. Remove the sash, and frame, and check that all components are in good order. Sand down the wood to make it appear better and prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash is still sticking, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. The addition of a new set tilt pins can also help improve the window's operation.

A sash window works by compensating the weight of the glass with the help of weights passed over a pulley mechanism. These weights, which are usually constructed of cast iron, are accessible via an access panel or pocket in the inner lining of the box. A dividing strip is inserted inside the window frame to prevent the weights from colliding.

It isn't easy to get these weights out, because the sash on top can be sprayed shut and put in place. However, if you're diligent and cautious you can take off the sash using a pair of bar clamps, reversed so that they break apart, allowing it out of its groove in the meeting rail. It may take a few tapping and jiggling to get it free but once you've got it out, be sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) if necessary.

While you're at the same time, you can 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 seems, and you can do it yourself using the appropriate tools and a replacement sash windows cost kit.

Rotten sill

Eventually, old timbers will become damaged and even the best-maintained windows made of sash will begin to exhibit signs of decay. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it may be possible to restore it. If the rot has gotten into the frame and into the interior, and has damaged structural components it could be time to replace the window.

If you've found a decayed sill, you must to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is removing the old sill plates and studs. You may have to install temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After taking the old sill off and washing off any paint remaining from the sill plate. Once the sill is clean then replace it with a new board and attach it to the studs.

A sill that is rotten can be ugly and cause future expensive repairs. For example, it can cause the sash's to shift and can be difficult to spot and could result in a cracked or bowed glass pane. In addition, a rotten sill can allow water to be able to enter the wall, which could cause mold and other problems.

It's not as difficult as you think to repair a sill that is rotten. It is crucial to keep the window well-maintained to avoid rot, therefore you must regularly clean the windows' tracks and sashes to keep them free of dirt and debris. Install a seal of protection on the window frames to keep them dry. You can also apply a humidifier to control the humidity in your home. This will prevent the wooden sash windows near me sashes from sticking or expanding.

Sash windows are often afflicted by stuck sashes. To fix them it is possible to apply small amounts of wax or silicone spray to the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes have become stuck due to paint buildup you can use a utility knife to cut the paint layers and release the sashes.

Another option to resolve a sticking sash is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sliding sash window still sticks, you can try making it draught-proof. This involves putting an insulating strip of rubber between the frame and the sash which decreases air flow and enhances the acoustic quality of your window.