Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch class to any home. However, they can be drafty and uncomfortable because of wear and age. Sash window repairs are a great method of making them more functional and preserving the original appearance.

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

Sashes that have been damaged

If your sash window is damaged or leaks, you will need to do more that just patch the surface. You can save money by completing a more thorough repair, particularly if your home is older and has low insulation. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and how to repair them:

Problems with Sticking

If the sash does not fit snugly within the frame, it may be difficult to open or close the window. This can result in rattling noises and allow drafts to enter your home.

To fix this issue, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the inside side of the sash. Then take it off. Be careful not damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash oil, which will allow it to move easily.

Broken Sash Cords

In some cases, old double-hung sashes utilize cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, the cords can break, making it difficult to raise or keep the sash in place. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

Move the sash right and take it off the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it and remove any nails that are protruding from the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and place it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it using the nail set.

Install the staff beads and install the sash. Make sure to leave enough for the cords to ensure proper operation. Finally, reinstall the balances and counterweights. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk can be placed between the bead of the staff and the box.

When the frame and sash are repaired completely, cover them in secondary glazing sash windows putty. Glazing putty is usually made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to allow it to work and not to stick to your hands. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling 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 to support and keep the sashes balanced within the window jamb. As time passes, the chains could break, which stops the sashes from opening and closing and makes it difficult to lower or raise the window. Repairing the sash window locks cords is an easy home repair that can fix these issues in a matter of less than an hour.

Take off the staff bead, which separates the upper from lower sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is driven through the knot and into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads and clean off any paint, caulk and old cord residue around the groove in the sash.

To open the window, pull one of the cords running through the sash to lift it up. When you've pulled it as far as it can be make a mark on the cord using a pencil and then cut it into length with an utility knife. When you finish making sure that the new cord lines up with the groove of the sash and is connected to the frame with a knot.

If the sash still isn't moving, you can cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash has been freed, you will have to take off the access panels inside the sash channels to expose the counterweights and pulley system. If the window has been painted, you'll need to score the seams with the hammer or chisel in order to remove the panel without damaging it.

After removing the access panel you will find two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Take the one on the back and the one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight by using a self-tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, it is necessary to reconnect the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure it functions properly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a touch of historical charm to older homes, but they also pose maintenance challenges. They can be difficult or even impossible to close and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by wind, and letting drafts in. These problems could be caused by swollen or painted wood, or rotted sash cords. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective solutions to fix these problems and keep your sash window working properly.

Disassembling an old sash is a first step to fixing it. Take off the sash and frame, and check that all components are in good order. Sand down the wood to make it look better and prevent drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash window cost still sticks using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off any paint layers. Adding a new set of tilt pins can also help improve the window's operation.

Weights are pushed across a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of windows with sash. The weights are typically cast iron and are reached via an access panel or pocket cover that is located inside the inner box lining of the frame. A dividing strip is inserted inside the window frame to keep the weights from colliding.

It isn't easy to get these weights out, because the sash on top can be sprayed shut and fixed with nails. If you're patient and careful you can take the sash off with a pair of bar clamps spread apart. It could take a little some jiggling and tapping to get it free but once you've got removed it, make sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required.

While you're at it, you could also replace the sliding sash windows balance to make the window easier to open and close. Replacing the balance of a double-hung sash is much simpler than it seems, and you can do it yourself with the proper tools and replacement kit.

Rotten sill

Eventually, old timbers will get worse and even the most well-maintained sash windows will start to show signs of decay. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it might be possible to restore it. If the rot has spread through the frame and into the interior and has damaged structural elements, it may be time to replace the window.

If you've found a decayed sill, it's important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to take off the old sill plate and studs. You may need to install temporary support when the studs are weighing. After removing the sill, remove any paint that remains on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with a new board and then nail it into the studs.

A stained sill is not just ugly but it could cause costly repairs in the near future. It can, for example, cause the sash, which is hard to spot to notice, to shift. This can lead to cracks, bowed or damaged glass pane. A rotten sill may also allow water to enter the wall, causing mold.

It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. It is essential to keep the window well-maintained to avoid rot, therefore you should regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them free from dirt and other debris. Apply a protective seal on the frames of your windows to keep them dry. You can also utilize humidifiers to manage the moisture in your home. This will stop wooden sashes from forming or swelling.

Sticking sashes are a common issue for windows with sash. To resolve them, you can apply small amounts of silicone spray or wax to the tracks of your windows to enable them to slide easily. If the windows are stuck due to paint buildup, you could use a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint and free the sashes.

Another way to solve a stuck pvc sash windows is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash remains stuck you can try making it draught-proof. This involves putting strips of rubber between the frame and the sash, which reduces airflow and improves the acoustic quality of the window.