The Sash Windows Repair Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And Strangest Things We've Ever Seen
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a classy style to any home. However, they can be drafty and uncomfortable due to age or wear. Repairs to sash windows can be a great option for making them more functional and preserving the original appearance.
The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove the "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood, low down on the frame, which allow access to the weights.
Sashes that have been damaged
If your sash window is damaged or leaks or leaking, you'll need to do more than just patch the surface. Performing a more comprehensive repair job will save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older house that has poor insulation. Here are some typical issues that sash windows face and the way to fix it:
Problems with Sticking
It will be difficult to close or open the window when the sash doesn't fit snugly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts in your house.
To repair this, you can use a utility knife to cut and pry off the paint line from the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash oil, which will help it move along smoothly.
Broken Sash Cords
Some double-hung sashes from the past have cotton or metal cords that support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords can break, making it impossible to lift or keep the sash up. To fix this issue, follow these steps:
Remove the frame sash and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Cut the cord in the middle of the sash, and then remove any nails sticking out from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers, then reinsert it into the side channel. The knot of the cord should be tucked into the hole and secure it with a nail set.
Install the sash again and add the beads for staff. Be sure to leave plenty of slack on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Install the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a great way to reduce the amount of draughts. Apply a small amount between the staff bead box.
When the frame and sash are repaired completely, cover them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to allow it to work and not to stick to your hands. Let the putty completely dry before installing the sash again and painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To support and balance the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes) chains or cotton cords are tacked to counterweights. As time passes, the chains may break, preventing the sashes from opening and closing and makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home fix that will solve these issues in less than an hour.
Start by removing the staff bead that divides the lower and upper sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any rusty nails from the stop beads and scrub off paint, caulk, and old cord traces around the groove in the sash.
To open the window pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've pulled it as far as it will be then mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it into length with a utility knife. When you're done, make sure the new cord matches with the groove in the sash and is secured to the sash frame with a knot.
If the sash remains too high to move then you can use your sharp side cutters to cut off and remove the old cords. Once the sash has been removed it is necessary to remove the access panel inside the sash channel in order to expose the pockets of sash weights, counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window is painted you might need to score the seams using the hammer and chisel in order to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
After you've removed the access panel, you'll be able to see the two cast-iron sash sash weights in each pocket. Remove the weights on the back and front, then tie the sash cords to the weights using a self-tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and then reset the pulley system to ensure it functions properly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a hint of historical charm to older homes, but they also pose issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult to open or close, rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These problems are usually caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have rotted. There are many inexpensive and cost-effective methods to fix the problem and keep your windows operating properly.
The first step in fixing an old sash window is disassembling it. Remove the sash as well as the frame, and ensure that the components are in good shape. Then, sand down the wood to improve its appearance and prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers to release it. The addition of a new set tilt pins could also enhance the window's functionality.
Weights are pushed across pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. These weights are typically cast iron and can be accessed from an access panel or pocket cover located within the lining of the box of the window frame. To stop the weights from falling down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they do not collide.
Accessing these weights is difficult, since the upper sash has been painted shut and can be nailed in place. If you're patient and careful you can easily remove the sash by using bar clamps that are reversed and spread apart, to ease it out of the groove in the meeting rail. It might take a some tapping and jiggling to pull it out but once you've got it out, be sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) if necessary.
While you're at it you can also replace the balance of the sash to make the window easier to open and close. It's much easier than you imagine to replace the double-hung balance on a window. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the best-maintained windows will eventually begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is limited to the sill, it could be possible to restore the window. If, however, it has spread through the frame and into the interior of the home and has damaged structural components it's probably time for a replacement.
If you've found a decayed sill, it is important to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load-bearing they may require you to put in temporary supports. After removing the sill, remove any remaining paint on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with the new one and secure it to the studs.
A sill that is rotten is not only unsightly, it can cause costly repairs in the future. It can, for example cause the sash, that is hard to see, to shift. This can result in cracks, bowed or damaged glass pane. A rotten sill may also allow water to get into the wall and cause mold.
Replacing a damaged or rotting sill is not as hard as it might sound. To stop rot, you must keep the window free of dirt and debris. It is also recommended to apply a sealant on the window frames to shield them from moisture. You can also use a humidifier to control the humidity in your home. This will prevent wooden sashes sticking or swelling.
sash windows near me are usually plagued by sashes that are stuck. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the tracks of your windows. This will allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes have become stuck because of paint buildup, you can use an utility knife to cut the paint layers and free the sashes.
Reinstalling the parting bead is another way to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash remains stuck it is possible to try making it draught-proof. This is done by placing strips of rubber in the spaces between the frame and the sash that reduces airflow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.