10 Essentials On Sash Windows Repair You Didn't Learn In School
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. Nevertheless, they can be drafty and difficult to clean due to wear and age. Repairs to sash windows can be a great option for improving functionality and maintaining the original appearance.
The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove the "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame that give access to the weights.
Sashes that have been damaged
If your sash window has been damaged or leaks, you will need to do more than patch the surface. A more thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older house that has poor insulation. Here are some common problems that sash windows face and the way to fix them:
Stuck Issues
It will be difficult to close or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts in your house.
To repair this, you can use a utility knife to cut and then cut away the paint line from the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to harm the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash oil that will allow it to move more smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
Some old double-hung sashes are made of metal or cotton supporting the weights used lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords can break and make it difficult to lift the sash or keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:
Move the sash right and then remove it from the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash. Remove any nails sticking out from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers and then insert it back into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole, and secure it using a nail set.
Install the beads on the staff and then reinstall the sash. Make sure you leave enough slack in the cords to allow for optimal operation. 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.
After the frame and sash are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made from linseed oil 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 support and balance the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes) chains or cotton cords are affixed to counterweights. Over time, the chains may break and prevent the sashes from opening and close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Replacing the sash's cords is an easy home fix that can solve these problems in less than an hour.
Start by removing the staff bead that separates the upper and lower sashes. A nail is usually driven through the knot and then into the sash's casing to hold the bead, however, you should be in a position to remove it by using needle-nose pliers. Remove any rusty nails from the stop beads and scrub off any paint, caulk and old cord residue around the sash groove.
To open the windows, pull one of the cords that run through the sash. When you've pulled it as far as it will be then mark the cord with a pencil and cut it to length using a knife. When you finish, make sure the new cord lines up with the groove of the sash, and is secured to the sash frame by a knot.
If the sash remains too high to move, you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and eliminate the old cords. Once the sash is free it is necessary to remove the access panel in the sash channel to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. 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 removing the access panel there are two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the weights on the front and back and tie the sash cords onto the weights using self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, reattach the sashweights and set the system to function properly.
Drafts
Sash windows are an excellent way to add some history to older homes. However they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open and close, rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These problems are often caused by swelling of the wood, paint buildup or sash cords that have become rotted. There are many easy and cost-effective ways to fix the problem and keep your windows operating correctly.
Disassembling an old sash is the first step to repairing it. Take off the sash and frame, and ensure that all components are in good shape. Sand down the wood to make it appear better and prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can help the sash glide more easily. If the sash still sticks, use an utility knife to cut any paint layers. Adding a new set of tilt pins can also improve the window's performance.
Weights are pushed across a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. These weights are usually cast iron and are reached via an access panel or pocket cover that is located inside the inner box lining of the window frame. To stop replacing window sashes from crashing down, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide.
Accessing these weights can be difficult as the upper sash has been painted shut and is nailed into the correct position. If you are patient and careful you can take the sash off by using a pair of bar clamps that are spread apart. It could take a little bit of tapping and jiggling to get it out, but once you have it removed, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) If you need to.
You can also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. It's not as difficult as you think to change a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Over time, old timbers deteriorate and even the best-maintained windows made of sash will begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is limited to the sill, it may be possible to restore the window. However, if it has gotten into the frame to the interior of the home and has damaged structural components it's probably the time to replace it.
If you've found a decayed sill, you must to replace it before it causes further damage to your 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 removing the sill, clean off any paint remaining from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with the new one and then nail it into the studs.
A sill that is rotten is not only unsightly but can cause costly repairs in the near future. It could, for instance, cause the sash, which is difficult to notice to see, to move. This can lead to a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. A sill that is rotten may allow water to get into the wall, causing mold.
It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. To stop rot, you must keep the window clean and free of dirt and debris. Apply a protective seal on the window frames to keep them dry. You can also utilize a humidifier to control the humidity in your home. This will stop the wooden sashes from sticking or expanding.
Sash windows are often afflicted by sashes that have become stuck. To resolve them, you can apply small amounts of silicone spray or wax onto the window tracks to help them slide more easily. If the sashes have become stuck due to paint buildup you can use an utility knife to cut through the paint layers and release the sashes.
Another way to solve a sticking sash is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash remains stuck, you can try making it draught-proof. This process involves placing an insulating strip of rubber in the gaps between the frame and the sash that reduces air flow and enhances the acoustic quality of your window.