10 Facts About Sash Window Repairs That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
Sash Window Repairs
If sash windows aren't given regular maintenance, they may become ineffective. This could lead to drafts, energy inefficiency and moisture damage.
Paint can peel and crack, leaving the timber exposed to the elements. Professional joiners can repaint and re-stain the wood, repairing any damage and securing it for the future.
A solid work surface is provided by an easel, which is extremely helpful when working on sash window sashes. A quality scraper is vital.
Sash Cords that are broken or worn
Over time, sash cables may become fragile. They may break or snap. This is often the result of an underlying problem with the window itself or broken pulleys, but it can also occur when the sash is closed and opened repeatedly. The sash may be difficult to move, without much effort or sagging.
To fix damaged sash cable, open the window. Locate the parting bead. This is an elongated piece of wood that separates upper and lower sashes. Remove the bead gently from the frame by using the screwdriver. After you have removed the bead, you can begin to remove the sash. Once the sash is completely removed, you will need to locate the two cast iron weights that are housed in a pocket located on either side of the sash. Typically, there's one weight in the back (towards the exterior side of the window frame) and the other one in the front (towards the interior side of the frame). Remove both of them from their pockets and put them aside.
After taking out the counterweights from the sash channels, you can remove the access panel. It may be necessary to use a chisel or screws to remove the panel depending on the kind of window you have. Once the panel is removed, you'll be in a position to see the spring that is coiled to help retract the sash cords. If the spring isn't working correctly, you will be able to hear the window trying to move or feel a slight resistance.
Re-coiling the coil will solve this problem. After the spring has been re-coiling, you can secure it with a piece of cord. This is vital because a loose knot may cause the cords to break and not retract when needed.
Once the cords are re-tied and secured, replace the access panels and jambliner and slide the sash back into its place. Double-check the new cords to ensure they are long enough and securely tied. Then, you can put the sash cords into the slots and holes in the lower sash. You can also place the counterweights inside their pockets. You can test your work by sliding the sash up and down to make sure it is moving smoothly without any issues.
Drafts and air leaks
Sash windows may develop drafts or air leaks due to the aging process, damage, or poor construction. While these issues are usually an indication of windows that are ready to be replaced however, they can also be repaired or replaced with a little effort.
One of the most prevalent air leak and draft problems is caused by weather stripping that is worn or the absence of any weather stripping at all. Sash windows must have foam tape, or a similar material, running along the bottom and around the top of each sash. This helps to seal the gap and keep the hot or cold air out. If the weather stripping has been damaged, folded over or is missing, this can result in drafts and energy inefficiency.
It's important to note that if the wood on your window is beginning to decay, you'll probably have to replace it completely. However, this isn't always the case. Your Tasker could be able of preserving the wood by making some shrewd repairs. Typically, the best method to tell whether your sash windows have begun to rotting is by pushing a screwdriver through the timber and seeing if it goes all the way through.
Another easy repair is replacing the pocket covers and parting beads. This can be done by scoring the paint between the sash and frame with an utility knife, and then taking the pocket cover off or parting bead away with a scraper or chisel. Beads that are similar to the original are usually available for purchase, which means it's not difficult to create.
After the repairs are completed, you can usually count on your sash windows to remain functional and attractive once more! It's not always feasible to restore old sash window that are considered beyond repair. However, the vast majority can be restored and will continue to serve you for a long time. It is a good idea to engage a Tasker to handle any window repairs that require more work than just scratch or corrosion treatments, since these tasks might take longer to complete. However, most Taskers can get these types of jobs completed in a couple of hours, or even less.
Rotting Wood
As wood rots it loses its capacity to hold nails and other fasteners. This loss of structural integrity could eventually cause window damage or even total collapse. If your wood windows are rotting, patching may be an effective repair, but replacement is often a better option. To stop rotting from occurring, check your sash windows regularly for evidence of moisture buildup. Then, make sure to fix any issues you find.
In the course of routine maintenance, you should clean your windows to remove the dirt and grime that may block the movement of the sashes. Dehumidifiers can also be utilized to regulate humidity, since excessive moisture can cause the wood to stick and expand. To ensure that windows operate smoothly, it is recommended to apply a light coating of wax to the tracks and sashes of windows to provide lubrication.
The first step when a sash becomes stuck is to examine the counterweights. If the counterweights appear to be in good shape, and there are no signs of imbalance, it is possible that the issue is caused by an draft or air leak. You can seal the draft using foam tape, rope caulk or other adhesives.
Wood filler can be used to fix windows that have minimal decay. Choose a wood filler that matches the color and type of your wood to ensure smooth appearance. After sash secondary glazing has dried, sand until it is smooth before painting. If you spot a piece of sash which is totally rotten, replacing it with fresh wood will be your best option.
Removing old wood windows with weighted sash can be challenging, but it's important to preserve as much of the original frame as possible to cut down on labor costs and avoid unnecessary damage. Before beginning the process, take a photograph of the window in its entirety assembled to serve as a reference point for the disassembly procedure. It's also an excellent idea to construct an easel using framing lumber to allow you to stand up straight and get the best angles for scraping and glazing. This job is made much easier by using a high-quality scraper like the Bahco, which allows you to adjust the blades to a perfect angle for the curved parts of the sash.
Frame Damaged
As windows age, the frame can become damaged or rotted. It's good to know that you can usually repair these old wooden frames, rather than replace them. This is a big project that requires a lot materials.
The task can last between a few minutes to a full day. A professional can remove damaged parts, apply wood fillers, and apply natural preservatives to prolong the life of your windows. This will help you save energy costs and stop drafts from entering your home.
A tasker can also replace sills and parts of sash that have been damaged or decaying. They typically make use of the original window as a reference so you don't need to buy a whole new set.
To repair a damaged sash, first steam the sash to loosen any paint or varnish. Scrape the sash until it is the wood grain before priming it and reinstalling the glazing putty and then putting in glass. Then, sand the sash frame and sash to a smooth finish, and apply two coats of primer.
The earliest sashes were joined with wooden pegs connected by a mortise-and tenon. This type of joint can be more difficult to disassemble, and you will need an axe, a handsaw or a tool to cut the glue line. Sashes later made with glue, which is easier to separate.
Once the sash is repaired and reinstalled, it's time to put the track of vinyl inside the frame. Use a screwdriver for release of the pawls of each locking terminal and then lower the sash until it is in the jamb liners of vinyl and snaps into the frame.
Before reinstalling the sash it is important to set it in glazing putty. You can purchase this mix of chalk and linseed at any hardware store. Make sure you have extra chalk bits on hand to keep the putty workable and also to help tidy up. Once you've mixed the putty, you can knead it until it's smooth. You can add additional chalk as needed to achieve an even consistency.