Introduction To The Intermediate Guide Towards Sash Windows Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows offer an elegant style to any home. Nevertheless, they can be drafty and difficult to clean because of wear and age. Sash window repairs are a great way of enhancing functionality while maintaining the original elegance.
The first step in sash window repair is to remove the "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame and allow access to the weights.
Damaged sashes
If your windows' sash are damaged or leaking air it is necessary to do more than repair the surface. Doing a thorough repair can save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some typical sash window problems and how to repair them:
Sticking Issues
It is difficult to close or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This could result in rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home.
To get rid of this issue you can use a utility knife to cut the paint line on the inside side of the sash and pry it off. Be careful not to harm the wood. You'll then need to apply a sash lubricant which will allow it to move along smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
Some double-hung sashes from the past have cotton or metal cords supporting the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break, rendering it impossible to lift or keep the sash in place. Follow these steps to fix it:
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 from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers, then insert it back into the side channel. Insert the knot of the cord into the hole and secure it with the nail set.
Re-install the sash and then install the staff beads. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to allow for optimal operation. Then, you can reinstall the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent method to minimize the amount of draughts. Apply a small amount between the staff bead box.
Once the sash and frame are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the sash, or painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use cords of cotton or chains of metal connected to counterweights that support and keep the sashes balanced in the window jamb. As time passes, the cords may break and prevent the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. The cords of the sash can be replaced in less than a few hour.
Remove the staff bead that divides the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. A nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to hold it in place. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads, and then clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the sash groove.
To open the windows, pull one of the cords that run through the sash. When you've made it as far as you are able to mark the cord with a pencil and cut it using an utility knife. After you've finished making sure that the new cord lines up with the groove in the sash, and is connected to the frame by knotting it.
If the sash isn't moving, cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash is free, you'll need to remove the access panel inside the sash channel to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you'll have to cut the seams with either a hammer or chisel, in order to remove the panel without damaging it.
After removing the access panel, you will see two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the one on the front, then tie each sash cord to a weight by using self-tightening knot. Once you have tied the new cords, you can reattach the sashweights and reset the system to work properly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a touch of history to older homes, but they also present issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult or even impossible to shut and open and can be noisy in the breeze, and allowing drafts in. These issues are often caused by swollen or painted wood, or rotted sash cords. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective ways to correct these issues and keep your sash window working properly.
Disassembling an old sash is the first step to repair it. Take off the sash and frame, and ensure that all components are in good working order. Then, sand the wood to improve its appearance and to prevent drafts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can help the sash glide more easily. If the sash is stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. A new set of tilt-pins can make the window more efficient.
A sash window functions by counterbalancing the weight of glass using weights passed over the pulley system. These weights are usually cast iron and can be reached via an access panel or pocket cover that is located in the inner box lining of the window frame. To prevent the weights from falling down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide.
Accessing these weights can be difficult, since the upper sash has been painted shut and can be nailed in the position. If you are cautious and patient, you can pull the sash out by using a pair of bar clamps that are spread apart. You may need to tap and jiggle to loosen it however, once it's gone, inspect the sash and replace it with a new rope.
While you're at the same time, you could also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close. It's much easier than you think to change the balance of a double-hung window. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the best-maintained windows can eventually exhibit signs of decay. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it might be possible to fix it. If, however, it has spread through the frame into the interior of the house and has damaged structural components it's likely the right time to replace it.
It is crucial to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to take off the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load-bearing they may require you to install temporary supports. After removing the old sill and washing off any paint remaining from the sill plate. Once the sill is clean then replace it with a new board and nail it to the studs.
A stained sill is not only unsightly, it can also lead to expensive repairs in the future. It could, for instance, cause the sash, which is hard to spot to notice, to shift. This can lead to cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a decayed sill could allow water get into the wall which could cause mold and other problems.
Replacing a sill that is rotten is not as hard as it might sound. To prevent rot you must keep the window free of debris and dirt. Install a seal of protection on the window frames to keep them dry. sliding sash window can also apply a humidifier to regulate the moisture in your home. This will stop wooden sashes sticking or swelling.
Sash windows are often afflicted by sashes that have become stuck. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the tracks of your windows. This will help them slide easier. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you could make use of a utility knife cut through the layers of paint to release the sashes.
Reinstalling the parting beads is another way to fix a stuck sash. If the sash remains stuck it is possible to try to draught proof it. This involves placing a strip of rubber between the sash frame and the sash. This will reduce airflow and improves acoustic qualities.