Sash Window Repair

Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. However, they can be problematic and drafty due to age or wear. Repairs to sash windows are a great method of enhancing functionality while maintaining the original appearance.

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

Damaged sashes

If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to do more than repair the surface. A more thorough repair will save you money in the long run, especially if you have a older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some common problems with sash windows and how to fix them:

Stuck Issues

It will be difficult to close or open the window when the sash doesn't fit properly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts in your house.

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

Broken Sash Cords

Some old double-hung sashes have cotton or metal cords supporting 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 issue, follow these steps:

Remove the sash from the frame and pull it to the right until it's completely open. Cut the cord in the middle of the sash. Remove any nails sticking out of the end. With needle-nosed pliers, take out the nail and then insert it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the cord into the hole and secure it using an nail set.

Re-install the sash and install the staff beads. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to allow for the proper operation. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk may be applied between the staff bead and box.

Once the sash and frame are completely repaired, you can bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty can be made using chalk and linseed. Mix in enough of the chalk to allow it to work and not stick to your hands. Let the putty dry completely before applying the sash back and painting the frame.

Broken sash cords

Old double-hung (two sashes) windows are made of cords of cotton or chains of metal attached to the counterweights to help keep the sashes level in the window jamb. Over time, the chains might break, preventing the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these issues within less than a half hour.

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

To open the window, pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've pulled it to the maximum extent it can go, mark the cord with a pencil and then cut it to length using a knife. Once you're done, make sure that the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash. Also, secure it to the sash using the knot.

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

Once you've removed the access panel, you'll be able to see the two cast-iron sash weights in each pocket. Remove the weights from the front and back and tie the sash cords onto the weights using self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, you'll need reconnect the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly.

Drafts

Sash windows are a fantastic way to add a touch old-fashioned charm to homes. However, they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open or close and rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These issues are usually caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have become rotted. There are several easy and cost-effective ways to fix these problems and keep your sash window operating effectively.

The first step to repair an old sash window is to take it apart it. Remove the sash windows repair and the frame, and ensure that all components are in good shape. Then, sand the wood to enhance its appearance and to prevent draughts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash is stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers to release it. A new set of tilt pins can also help improve the window's functionality.

Weights are pushed across a system of pulleys to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. The weights, typically made of cast iron can be accessed through an access panel or pocket in the inner lining of the box. A dividing strip is inserted inside the window frame to stop the weights from colliding.

Accessing these weights is difficult, since the upper sash is painted shut and is nailed into the position. If you're cautious and patient you can easily remove the sash using bar clamps, reversed so that they break apart, allowing it out of the groove in the meeting rail. It might take a some tapping and jiggling to get it out but once you've got removed it, make sure to check the sash cord and replace window sashes it with new rope (not cotton) if necessary.

You can also change the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. It's not as difficult as you think to change the double-hung balance on a window. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and a replacement sash windows kit.

Rotten sill

Even the best-maintained windows will eventually show signs of decay. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it might be possible to repair the window. If, however, it has spread through the frame to the interior of the home and has damaged structural components it's likely the time to replace it.

It is essential to replace a rotten window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load bearing you may have to put in temporary supports. After removing the old sill, clean off any paint remaining from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new board and then nail it into the studs.

A stained sill is not only unsightly but it could cause costly repairs in the future. For instance, it could cause the sash to shift which is difficult to notice and can result in a cracked or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill can let water in the wall, causing mold.

It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. To avoid rot, keep the window free of dirt and debris. Also, you should apply a sealant to the window frames to shield them from moisture. You can also apply humidifiers to manage the humidity inside your home. This will prevent the wooden sash windows near me sashes from sticking or expanding.

Sash windows are often afflicted by stuck sashes. It is possible to fix this issue by applying a small amount of wax or silicone to the window tracks. This will allow them to slide easier. If the windows are stuck due to paint buildup, you could make use of a utility knife cut through the layers of paint to release the sashes.

Reinstalling the parting bead is another option to repair a sash that is stuck. If the sash is still stuck you can try making it draught-proof. This involves putting strips of rubber between the sash and frame, which reduces airflow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.