10 Things We Hate About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Older windows with weighted sash sash need regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, lubricating and reinstalling hardware. It also involves adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes to reduce rattling.
To begin you need a utility knife to cut through any paint that is sealing the window's front. Remove the trim and face to reveal the sash.
Cracked Sash or Frame
If you notice your windows that are sash don't move up and down smoothly anymore It's probably time to fix them. A damaged frame or sash can cause draughts and condensation, so it's crucial to address the issue immediately. Sash windows that are old have a tendency to become worn down over time. However they can be restored to their former glory by taking just a few steps.
Examine the window and frame for signs of damage, such as rot or mold. If you spot any of these problems then sand the area and then repaint it to match the rest of the frame. You can also replace the entire window if the sash has been damaged.
The sash can be shut and opened repeatedly to release it if it is stuck or sliding. This should help remove any paint that is stuck and should free the sash. If the sash is still stuck after several attempts to free it, use a hairdryer at low temperature to warm the sash and molding to soften the putty. After the sash has been freed then use a knife or, if you prefer, an instrument that looks like a metal spatula with serrated edges called a window saw (available at paint and hardware stores for about $10).
The next step is to separate the glass from the sashes. If you are lucky, this strip may be secured with one or two nails or screws along the length of the molding. If not, you'll have to remove the parting strip using a chisel, beginning at the sill and working it up toward the jamb.
It's crucial to place the parting strip correctly after removing it. If you're fortunate, the groove is wide enough for a new strip to slide into place and it will be held in place with a few wood nails. If the groove is too narrow, you'll need to sand it down and add a strip that is the correct width.
Stuck Sash or Frame
When a sash window can be closed and opened easily, but gets stuck at one point and then stops working, it's a sign that the frame and sash might need to be re-glued. Over time, old glue degrades, cycles of expansion and contraction occur due to changes in humidity or rot can set in. Re-gluing these joints is a relatively easy task and can be done without dismantling the window.
Check the frame thoroughly before beginning to re-glue joints. Check that all seams are intact and that there aren't any leaks or cracks. If window repairs is decaying it should be removed and chemically stripped. Once repairs are completed the wood should be sanded prior to re-staining.
Begin by looking for a damaged sash cord if the sash seems to be stuck in the bottom. If there is a broken cord, it has become twisted within the frame and gotten stuck. This can cause the window to feel heavier when opening and closing. To remedy this, cut the cord as close to the sash as you can (it's a good idea to get a friend to help) and pull it back to unwind the sash.
Then, use a scraper to remove any remaining paint from the frame and sash. You should do this gently so as not to break the glass or damage the mortise and tenon joints. After the paint has been removed and the wood is dry, apply wood hardener to the frame and the sash. This product will strengthen the wood and stop it from rotting further.
If you discover that there is an opening between the sash's edge and the frame, insert a large putty blade (not a screwscrewdriver) and slowly move it upwards and downwards on the side. You might need to tap the handle of the knife with a hammer to force it in.
You can also place a block in the channel between the sash and below it. Use a hammer to tap it to create a wedge for the sash. If you're on a pathway be sure that nobody is walking underneath the window.
Leaking Sash Frame
If water seeps through the window, it's more than only a nuisance and a hassle, but it can cause serious damage to the surrounding structure and promote the growth of mold that is dangerous. If you know what to check leaky glass windows can be fixed without the need to replace the entire window.
Look for damp wood in the frame and sash and on the exterior walls around the window, especially in the corners. Call a professional if you see water stains or moisture on the ceiling or wall near the window or decaying wood around the sill. If the water appears to be coming from the outside it is likely due to a blocked drain or flashing that has been installed improperly or not installed at all.
Leaks that occur on the interior of a double pane window could be the result of a malfunction of the gasket that seals between the two panes of glass. It is crucial to regularly test the integrity of a seal on a window that has a gasket in between the two panes. A simple tool, which looks like an enormous pencil or pen with a pointed end can be used to test the seal. Use the tool's tip to push between the frame and window to check if they are tight or loose.
Vinyl frames are prone to air infiltration around windows due to the fact that the PVC expands and contract at a rate seven times greater than glass. This can cause stress on and shear glazing sealants, permitting air to flow between the sash and frame. In some cases this could be corrected by resealing the glazing using silicone caulk or expanding foam tape.
If you have awning or casement windows, make sure to check their hinges to ensure that they are in good condition and not leaky. If you see bare wood close to the edges of the frame or the sash inside, it's important to apply a latex sealant to stop air from getting in.
Damaged Sash and Frame
A damaged sash or frame is an indication that it's the right time to repair the problem. This usually means replacing the damaged part with a new one. A carpenter with experience in repairing sash windows will be able to do this without the need to replace the entire window. They can also incorporate modern features like double glazing and sound-reducing glass.
These repairs are often able to help the window perform better and last for longer. Wooden sash window frames will expand and contract in response to changes in humidity. Maintaining a tight seal on the window is vital to ensure that it functions properly.
One of the most frequent indications that your sash windows need a repair is when they're difficult to open and close. Sash windows are designed to open and close with little effort, so if they are stiff or require an enormous amount of force to move, this is an indication that your window isn't seated properly in the frame.
This can be due to a variety of factors, including inadequate installation and old age. You can check whether the sash is set correctly by looking at it from the outside as well as poking around it with your finger. If the wood feels brittle or has holes, it's probably getting rotten and needs to be replaced.
If the sash is in good working order it's likely that the pocket is stuck. Sash pockets are generally comfortable to wear, but over the years they can be sealed with paint or secured using screws or nails. You can make use of a sharp knife to cut along any joints in the paint, and gently pry the pocket out.
When the sash is taken off and the cords are removed, take them off and lower the weights (if needed). Replace the sash horns, sash parting beads, sash pulleys, and cords. Apply decorators caulk to the staff bead, the box and sash pulleys to seal and prevent draughts.