A Trip Back In Time: What People Discussed About Sash Windows Repair 20 Years Ago
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. They can become drafty and problematic as they age. Repairing sash windows is a great way to improve functionality while maintaining the original beauty of your windows.
The first step in repairing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are bits of wood, tucked away on the frame, that allow access to the weights.
Sashes that have been damaged
If your sash windows have been damaged or leaky and water, you'll need to do more than just patch the surface. You can save money by completing a more thorough repair, especially if your home is older and has poor insulation. Here are some typical issues with sash windows and how to fix it:
Sticking Issues
It will be difficult to shut or open the window if the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This can result in rattling noises and let drafts in your house.
To fix this, use an utility knife to cut and then cut away the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash lubricant, which will allow it to move easily.
Broken Sash Cords
In some cases, old double-hung sashes are made of cotton or metal cords to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords could break, making it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. To fix this, follow these steps:
Pull the sash to the right and take it off the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash and remove any nails sticking out of the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers and then insert it back into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the cord 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 space on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Then, you can reinstall the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent way to prevent the amount of draughts. Apply small amounts between the staff bead box.
Once the sash and frame are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make it workable and not to stick to your hands. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling the sash or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To support and balance the sashes in older double-hung windows (two sashes), chains or cotton cords are tacked to counterweights. As time passes, the cords may break and prevent the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. it. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than an hour.
Remove the staff bead which is what separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is driven through the knot and into the sash's casing to hold it in place. Remove any rusty nails from the stop beads, and then clean off any paint, caulk and old cord residue around the groove in the sash.
To open the window pull one of the cords through the sash. Once you've reached as far as you are able to mark the cord with a pencil and cut it out using a utility 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 the knot.
If the sash still isn't moving, cut the cords using your side cutters. Once the sash has been removed you'll need to take off the access panel within the sash channel in order to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window is painted you may have to cut the seams with a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
After removing the access panel you will find two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Take the one on the back and one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight with a self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, reattach the sashweights and reset the system to work correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows are an excellent option to add a touch of old-fashioned charm to homes. However they can be a challenge to maintain. They can be difficult to open and close and 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 rotted. There are a number of simple and cost-effective ways to correct these issues and keep your sash window operating effectively.
Disassembling an old sash is the first step in repairing it. Remove the sash, and frame, and make sure whether all parts are in good condition. Sand down the wood to make it appear better and to prevent drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains sticking, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. A new set of tilt pins can also help improve the window's performance.
Weights are pushed across a system of pulleys to balance the weight of windows with sash. These weights, usually made of cast iron can be accessed through an access panel or pocket located on the inner box lining. To stop the weights from colliding, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure they don't collide.
Accessing these weights can be difficult as the upper sash is sealed and can be nailed in place. If you are cautious and patient, you can remove the sash with a pair of bar clamps that are spread apart. It may be necessary to tap and jiggle it to free it, but once it's out examine the sash and replace it if necessary with a new rope.
You can also alter the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is much simpler than it is, and you can do it yourself using the right tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the most well-maintained windows will eventually exhibit signs of decay. If sash secondary glazing is only affecting the sill of the window, it might be possible to repair it. If the rot has spread to the frame and into the interior and has damaged structural parts it could be time to replace the window.
If you have a rotten sill, it is important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is removing the old sill plates and studs. If the studs bear loads, you may need to put in temporary supports. After removing the old sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new one and secure it to the studs.
A rotten sill can be ugly and cause future expensive repairs. It can, for example cause the sash, that is hard to see to notice, to shift. This can result in a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a decayed sill can allow water to get into the wall, which could cause mold and other issues.
It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. It is crucial to maintain the window to avoid rot. Therefore, you must regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them free of dirt and other debris. Apply a protective seal on the frames of your windows to keep them dry. You can also use a humidifier to control the humidity inside your home. This will stop wooden sashes sticking or swelling.
Sash windows are often afflicted by sashes that have become stuck. To get them out of the way you can apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray onto the window tracks to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you can use a utility knife to slice through the paint layers and remove the sashes.
Another way to solve a stuck sash is to replace the parting bead. If the sash is still stuck, you could try draught-proofing the sash. This involves putting an insulating strip of rubber in the spaces between the frame and sash which decreases airflow and improves the acoustic quality of the window.