Don't Forget Sash Windows Repair: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. However, they can be problematic and drafty because of wear and age. Sash window repairs are a great method of making them more functional and preserving the original elegance.

The first step in repairing sash windows is to take off the "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood, low down on the frame, which allow access to the weights.

Damaged sashes

If your sash windows are damaged or leaking air it is necessary to do more than just patch up the surface. You can save money by completing an extensive repair, especially if the home is old and has low insulation. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and how to fix them:

Sticking Issues

If the sash does not fit snugly within the frame, it's difficult to open or close the window. This could result in rattling sounds and let drafts in your home.

To fix this, use an utility knife to score and then cut away the paint line from the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood. After that, you'll need apply a sash grease which will make it move more smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

In certain instances, the old double-hung sashes use either metal or cotton cords to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to lift or keep the sash up. To fix this, follow these steps:

Then, 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. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers, and then insert it back into the side channel. Insert the knot of the cord into the hole and secure it using the nail set.

Install the staff beads and install the sash. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to allow for the proper operation. Then, you can reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a great method to minimize the amount of draughts. Apply small amounts of caulk between the staff bead box.

Glazing putty can be used to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to make it workable, and not to stick to your hands. Let the putty completely dry before applying the sash back and painting the frame.

Broken sash cords

To balance and support the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes) cotton cords or chains are tacked to counterweights. Over time, the cords could break and block the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Replacing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these problems within less than a half hour.

Begin by removing the staff bead that separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is driven 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, old cord residue, and paint around the sash groove.

To open the window pull one of the cords running through the sash. When you've pulled the cord as far as it can go then mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it to length using an utility knife. When you finish, make sure the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash window repairs near me and is connected to the frame by knotting it.

If the sash isn't moving, cut the cords using side cutters. Once the sash is free it is necessary to remove the access panel in the sash channel in order to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will have to cut the seams using either a hammer or chisel, to take off the panel without damaging it.

After you have removed the access panel you will see two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Remove the weights from the back and front and then tie the sash cords to the weights using a self-tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, you'll need reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly.

Drafts

Sash windows are a great option to add a touch of old-fashioned charm to homes. However, they can be difficult to maintain. They are often difficult or impossible to close and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by winds, and letting drafts in. These issues are usually caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have rotted. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective ways to correct these issues and keep your sash window working properly.

The first step in fixing an old sash window is disassembling it. Remove the sash and the frame, and ensure that all parts are in good working order. Sand the wood to make it appear better and to prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can make the sash glide more easily. If the sash is sticking, 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 operates by counterbalancing the weight of glass using weights passed over a pulley mechanism. These weights, usually constructed of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket in the inner lining of the box. A dividing strip is placed within the window frame to stop the weights from colliding.

It isn't easy to reach these weights because the sash on top can be sealed with paint and then put in place. If you are patient and careful you can remove the sash with a pair of bar clamps that have been sliced apart. It might take a some tapping and jiggling to pull it free, but once you have it removed, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required.

While you're at it, you can also replace the sash balance to make it easier to open and close. Replacing the balance of a double-hung window is a lot easier than it seems and you can do it yourself using the right tools and a replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Eventually, old timbers will deteriorate and even the best-maintained sash windows will start to exhibit signs of rot. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it may be possible to restore it. However, if it has spread through the frame and into the interior of the home and has damaged structural members it's probably the right time to replace it.

If you've found a decayed sill, it's important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. You may need to install temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After taking off the sill, clean any paint that remains on the sill plate. Once the sill is clean, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs.

A rotten sill may look ugly and could lead to future costly repairs. For instance, it could cause the sash's to shift which is difficult to notice and can lead to cracks or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill may also allow water to get into the wall, causing mold.

Replacing a rotten sill isn't as difficult as it sounds. It is vital to maintain your window to avoid rot. Therefore, you should regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them free of dirt and other debris. Apply a protective seal on the window frames to keep them dry. In addition, you must use a dehumidifier in order to control the humidity levels within your home, which will stop wooden sash windows near me sashes from expanding or sagging.

Sash windows are often plagued by stuck sashes. It is possible to fix this issue by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the tracks of your windows. This will allow them to slide along more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of the buildup of paint, you can use a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint to release the sashes.

Another option to resolve a stuck sash is to replace the parting bead. If the sash is sticking, you can also try draught-proofing the sash. This is done by placing a rubber strip in the gaps between the frame and the sash that reduces air flow and enhances the acoustic quality of the window.