Watch Out: How Sash Windows Repair Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch elegance to any home. They can become drafty and problematic as they get older. Sash window repairs can be a great option for making them more functional and preserving the original beauty.
The first step to repairing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are small pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame and allow access to the weights.
Sashes that have been damaged
If your windows' sash are damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to go beyond repair the surface. Doing a thorough repair can save you money in the long run, particularly if you have a older house that has poor insulation. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and how to fix them:
Stuck Issues
If the sash doesn't fit well within the frame it will be difficult to open or close the window. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts in your home.
To repair this, you can use a utility knife to cut and pry off the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash lubricant which will allow it to 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 that lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:
Then, pull the sash to the right and remove it from the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash and remove any nails sticking out from the end. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers, then insert it back into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole, and secure it using the nail set.
Install the sash again and add the beads for staff. Be sure to leave plenty of for the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent way to prevent draughts. Apply small amounts between the bead box for staff.
Once repairmywindowsanddoors and frame are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made with linseed and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty pliable 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 in old double-hung windows (two sashes) chains or cotton cords are affixed to counterweights. As time passes, the chains can break which prevents the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than a few hours.
Remove the staff bead that is what separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is inserted through the knot and into the casing of the sash to hold it in place. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads, and then clean off any paint, caulk and old cord residue that has accumulated around the sash groove.
To open the window, pull one of the cords that run through the sash. Once you've gotten as far as you can, mark 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 of the sash. Also, secure it to the sash with a knot.
If the sash isn't moving, you can cut the cords using side cutters. Once the sash is removed, you'll have to remove the access panels in the sash channels in order to expose the counterweights and pulley system. If the window is painted you may have to cut the seams using an axe and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
After you have removed the access panel you will see two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Remove the one on the back and one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight using a self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, you can reattach the sashweights and set the system to work correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a bit of history to older homes, but they also pose maintenance challenges. They can be difficult or even impossible to open and close and can be noisy in the wind, and letting drafts through. These problems are usually caused by swollen wood paint buildup, sash cords that have become rotted. There are a number of simple and cost-effective ways to address these issues and keep your sash window functioning effectively.
The first step to repair an old sash window is disassembling it. Remove the sash as well as the frame and ensure that all parts are in good working order. Next, sand down the wood to improve its appearance and to prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash still sticks to the wall, use a utility knife to cut off any paint layers. A new set of tilt pins can improve the window's performance.
A sash window operates by compensating the weight of the glass by using weights that are passed through a pulley system. 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. A dividing strip is put inside the window frame to prevent the weights from colliding.
The process of removing these weights can be difficult as the upper sash has been painted shut and is nailed into the correct position. If you're patient and careful you can remove the sash using a pair bar clamps that have been sliced apart. It may take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it free however once you have removed it, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required.
While you're at the same time, you could also change the sash balance to make it easier to open and close. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is much easier than it sounds, and you can do it yourself using the right tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the best-maintained windows can eventually show signs of decay. If the rot is limited to the sill, it could be possible to restore the window. If it has spread through the frame into the interior of the home and has caused structural damage it's likely the right time to replace it.
If you've found a decayed sill, it is important to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load bearing, you may need to put in temporary supports. After removing the sill, remove any paint that remains on the sill plate. Once the sill is clean and dry, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs.
A sill that is rotten can look ugly and could lead to future expensive repairs. For instance, it could cause the sash's to shift, which can be difficult to notice and can result in cracks or broken glass pane. Additionally, a decayed sill can allow water to be able to enter the wall, which could lead to mold and other problems.
Replacing a damaged or rotting sill isn't as difficult as it might sound. It is crucial to keep the window well-maintained to avoid rot, therefore you must regularly clean the window tracks and sashes in order to keep them free from dirt and other debris. You should also apply a protective seal to the frames of your windows to guard them from moisture. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels in your home, which can prevent wooden sashes from swelling or sagging.
Sticking sashes are a common issue with windows made of sash. To resolve them you can apply small amounts of silicone spray or wax to the window tracks to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup, you could make use of a utility knife cut through the layers of paint and release the sashes.
Another way to solve a stuck sash is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash is stuck, you can consider draught-proofing it. This involves putting strips of rubber in the gaps between the sash and frame, which reduces air flow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.