How To Know If You're Ready For Sash Window Repair
Tips For Sash Window Repair
Sash windows that rattle or leak need to be fixed. Draughts, rotting wood, misaligned meeting rails and sash weights all require attention.
Pam first covers each pan with a layer of glazing compound. Then she secures it with pins instead of glazier's points to prevent breakage.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is a thin flexible strip of fabric used to cover the edges of windows and doors when they are closed. window repairman blocks out outside air as well as the toxins it carries. It prevents drafts from entering the gaps and making your home too cold or letting outside noises through. You can purchase ready-to use weather stripping in rolls with different dimensions, or cut the material to fit your window sashes.
Install the strip between the sash and the meeting bar for windows with a single hung. Do the same between the upper and lower sashes. Apply the same strips on the frame's side to avoid rattle.
Weather strips are required on both sides of double-hung windows. It is possible to add strips within the frame at the bottom. The strips prevent the window from closing and also prevent dust and bugs from blowing in the gap between the sash jamb and the sash.
Before installing the weather stripping, clean the sash frames with mild soap and water, then dry them with a cloth. A utility knife can be used to remove any old caulk and paint from the inside of the stops. Carefully pry the stops loose by using a putty blade to shield the frame. Replace the weather stripping.
The new weather stripping must be flexible enough that the sash can move freely, but firm enough that it stays in position when the sash is closed. Foam tape with an adhesive backing is a popular choice. It's simple to apply and comes in many thicknesses to suit different needs. Door sweeps are available in various sizes and styles and are suitable for use on any type of window and doors.
When you're preparing to install the new strip, make sure you compare the tabs made of metal on the new sash to the ones on your old sash. If the tabs are of a different shape, they will not fit into the the window frame correctly, and you'll have to take the sash off and start from scratch. Individual sash replacements don't cost much and a complete window replacement won't be a huge expense.
Sash Cords
If you're replacing sash cords, start by removing the outer dividing beads thin pieces of wood separating the inner and outside frame of the window. If they're nailed to the wall, a hammer and nail sets will work. You'll need a tarp because cleaning sash windows can be messy. You may also disturb paint or rotting wood in older homes. Wear a mask as dust may contain lead.
Then remove the upper cord and sash. If you're not replacing the cords, cut them off and tie them in knots to stop them from pulling through the holes. If you're replacing them, take off the nail that is holding each cord to the sash. Then pull out the nails that secure each cord to the sash. If the pockets on each side of the frame are still in place, prise them out with the help of a hammer and a nail set or the help of a Crowbar. You'll probably have scrape off some of the old sash cord material, too.
When the pockets are completely free, you can remove the sash that covers the frame, and you'll be able to see the channels on either side of the frame where the cords for the sash go through. Use cotton sash cords if you're replacing them. Synthetic cords stretch and sag, while cotton ropes last for a longer time. You'll need to make sure that you have the right amount of weight per sash. To ensure this you can weigh the sashes on the scale of your kitchen. The weights should equal about half the size of each sash.
If the tilt pin at the bottom of the lower sash is still in place, you can reset it. You'll have to lift the sash a bit to do this, so take care not to let it fall. Then, lock the pin. Then, you can install the new sash weight (the tube that contains the weights) and you're done! (Don't forget to verify and lock the tilt pin on the upper sash.)
Parting Beads
The parting beads (vertical strips of wood holding the lower sash) and staff bead are an integral component of a sash window. They are used to hold the weights of sash windows to stop water from entering and create the seal. If they're damaged or in poor condition it can lead to excessive rattle and draughts.
Use a sharp knife cut through any paint junction between the parting beads and the frame of the box window. Take the parting beads from their narrow grooves - they are designed to ensure a snug fit but may be nailed to the frame, so check for screws or nails. Remove any sash cords that were nailed to the wall.
Once the parting bead is removed, it is possible to remove the lower sash and remove the meeting rail (which overlaps the bottom sash of the double hung sash) from both sides. The meeting rail can be removed of the frame in order for you to see the window panes.
You can clean the sash windows and re-attach any sash furniture/ironmongery, lubricate the pulley axles & test the operation of the window. If it's difficult to open or lift the window, then it's worth looking at alternative balance systems for windows in sash which are discussed in a separate article.
Apply draught strips and paint the window frames of sash (with an oil-based primer of high quality). Or, sand the windows down to smooth and re-apply multi-purpose putty. Apply a small amount 'fronting putty' to the area where the glazing rebates meet the internal sash upstand of the sash. In the front of the putty using a fillet to create an even edge. Finish by a few millimeters lower than the sightline. Replace the sash cords and tie knots if needed, and hang the window. Think about using white cord or braided marine rope since it lasts longer than cheap cords that stretch over time. This will also reduce the opening distance of the sash window, making it easier to close.
Glass
Most homeowners don't take the time to spend much time contemplating the mechanical operation of their windows However, they are happy when they open and close easily and keep the air from outside out and the inside air in. If sash windows develop problems, however, it can be costly to have them repaired or replaced entirely. There are a variety of options to save money without the expense of a new windows.
One option is to have the sash window glass replaced with like-for-like designs that complement the style of your home's historic period. Another is to fit laminated glass, which can help protect your family from broken glass fragments and reduce the transfer of UV radiations. You can also choose pattern or texture glass. This can offer privacy while allowing natural light into the room. Draught-proof strips are also available to boost the efficiency of energy and reduce noise pollution.
It is not unusual for sash windows to become difficult to move as they have warped over the years. This could be due moisture accumulation and changing humidity that causes the wood to shrink and expand at different rates. This can cause the sash over time to expand and then turn discolored. It could also be difficult to open and close.
The first step is to make sure the frames of sash are in good shape. If there is lots of moisture, and the wood is rotted or sagging, it will require repair before any other work can be completed. This is a costly job that should be left to professional window builders.
The next step is to change a pane of glass once the frame is examined. This can be done while the sash is still in place, however it is easier to remove the frame and then work on the table. Remove any glazing points, and then putty to hold the glass in place. It is essential to wear protective clothing during this procedure. The worker can then cut the glass to fit and then install it in the frame using the help of a special tool for glazing. The glass is very hard and is susceptible to cracking or breaking.