10 Sash Window Repair Tricks Experts Recommend
Sash Window Repair
Whether it's an aesthetic concern, or to ensure a home is energy efficient, many homeowners choose to repair their sash windows. This can be done on an DIY basis, or a pro can provide the service.
Full-frame replacements cost $150 to $500, depending on the material used and the window's condition. An alternative that is less expensive is to fix the sash instead.
Glass Replacement
The sash window repair process involves several different tasks, including stripping paint, steaming, scraping, resetting glass and glazing putty, priming and reinstalling the sash. These tasks are time-consuming and tiring however they are necessary to ensure that your sash window looks and performs at its best. A restored sash window can bring character and value to your home while also reducing the cost of energy.
If your windows in sash are in bad condition, it's likely that they're not operating properly or let drafts into the house. It could be that the sash cords are broken, or simply that it is painted shut. The good news is that this is a fixable issue that doesn't require the full replacement.
A sash that is encased in the frame can be difficult to open and can cause drafts and rattles when wind is blowing. If the sash is sealed and not damaged it is usually opened with an instrument knife to cut through the layers of paint. If box sash window is sticky, applying wax or silicone spray to the window tracks could assist in moving it more easily.
Verify that the counterweights as well as the sash weights aren't damaged or decayed. This will allow the sash be opened and closed. It is also important to ensure that the sash has all its glass panes.
When repairing the sash window procedure, it's also worth getting rid of the pockets and scoring paint with a knife around the perimeter of each to take it off. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging the timber. After the sash is removed, you can clean it off with a damp sponge and a brush.
After cleaning the sash, it is now ready to be repaired. Glazing putty is made of linseed oil and chalk, and can be purchased from many hardware stores. To make the putty pliable you must add more chalk to it. This will help it not stick to your fingers as you apply it to the sash. It is essential to let the sash dry completely after bedding it.
Weatherstripping
A sash window has many moving parts that could become damaged or worn over time. Repairing these parts as they wear will stop further damage and decrease the loss of energy. It is usually possible to do this using replacement parts, which are cheaper than replacing the whole window. If you're looking to fix your double-hung windows, sliding sash windows or single-hung sash windows, the procedure is fairly straightforward.
The first step is removing the old sash from the frame. Depending on the condition of your windows, this may be simple or require some crowbar work to remove the sash from the frame. You can examine the sash for damage and wear after removing it. If you notice any signs of damage or damage, you can replace the part. These parts are typically inexpensive and easily available at the local hardware store.
Install the sash back into the frame if it's in good condition. This will enhance the function of your window and provide an improved seal against the elements. However, prior to installing your sash, you should apply a weather stripping to the sill and the top of the window. This will keep cold air out, and the warm air inside during winter.
There are a number of different kinds of weather stripping you can select from. Select a weather stripping suitable for your specific needs. Some kinds are more durable. Foam tape, for example is made from open- or closed cell foam and has an adhesive back. This type of weatherstripping can be best used to fill in gaps around the bottom of an awning or door.
Another kind of weather stripping is a flexible strip made of EPDM rubber that is cut in length and glued to the edges of a door or window frame. This type of weather tape gives better sealing than vinyl tape and is often simpler for installers to install because it doesn't require an adhesive backing.
Finally, you can use a flexible weather stripping like V-channel or a tension seal to create grooves and tracks in which the window moves. This will help create an airtight seal when the window is closed, and can also help reduce drafts in areas like garages, basements, and attics.
Sash Weights
Sash windows that are in good condition can suffer from a variety of problems, which may result in their replacement. Draughts, rattles and sticking are regular afflictions, but rotting frames and rails that meet, broken glazing bars, defective weights and sash cords which break or have become slack can also be to blame. Despite these issues, sash windows are still popular on numerous buildings. With careful renovation they can be restored to their previous glory.
The most frequent window sash issue is a sash getting stuck in its vertical position. This is a straightforward issue to fix. A spray of silicone on the window tracks should allow the sash to slide more easily. To further ease the process steaming may be useful. If the paint buildup causes your sash to stick to the window, you may require a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint. Be careful not to hurt either the sash, or the frame. Work slowly and carefully.
Accessing the sash weights may be difficult, however it is possible to remove and replace them as part of the sash window repair. Utilizing the access panel or by removing the cover for the pocket, open the window and gain access to the sash weight pockets inside the frame. Remove the old weights and install new ones, making sure that they are properly balanced.
After the sash has been removed from its vertical position a flat pry bar can be used to gently pull it up and back into place. Once it has been returned to its original position, re-engage the balance pin and tilt shoe. Once the sash is back in its place be sure to lock it in place and test its operation.
Once all the window repair for the sash has been completed, it's time to put it back together. Reinstall the sash and be careful to ensure that it is properly balanced and operates smoothly. Every piece of weatherstripping made of metal should be lubricated and secured to the side jambs by small brad nails. Install the stop bead again and ensure that they are not too tight so that they limit sash movement.
Hardware
The hardware for a sash window is comprised of pulleys and cords as well as other components that are designed to make it easy for windows to open and close. Over time, these components will wear out, contributing to stiffness in the sash. Replacing these components can bring back smooth operation to the double-hung window.
A malfunctioning counterbalance could cause the sash to get stuck. This can be caused either by a damaged or unattached cord or sash chain or pulley that is not working properly, or the sash weight. It is important to check these parts regularly to prevent any major issues down the road.
To get rid of a sash that is stuck it is necessary to break the seal of paint. Begin by putting on gloves, then carefully using a flat pry bar break the seal of paint along the vertical stile of the sash and also the sash's meeting rail and the pocket at the bottom of the sash. Based on the condition and age of the windows, it may be necessary to score the paint seam using an utility knife prior to beginning to work. This will allow the glazing putty to be removed without causing damage to the wood.
Before reinstalling the sash, grease the track with silicone-based grease in order to keep it moving in a smooth manner. It is also crucial to make sure that the sash has a consistent spacing between the edges, and is properly aligned.
The sash will then be covered with new glazing putty. It is important to use the right amount to ensure an even consistency. Glazing putty consists of linseed and chalk. It should feel tacky, but not sticky.
When the sash is installed, it's important to test it by raising and lowering it. If the sash remains rigid it is likely that an old sash cable which needs to be replaced is likely to be the cause. It's an easy solution. Take the interior stops out and doors to access from each side jamb. Then, feed a new length of sash cord through the pulleys on each side jamb. Attach the new sashcords onto the sash, then tie them at the sashweight pockets. Then replace the access doors to conceal the sash weights.