Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch of luxury to any house. Nevertheless, they can be problematic and drafty due to wear and age. Repairs to sash windows are a great method of improving functionality and maintaining the original elegance.

The first step in repairing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are tiny pieces of wood that sit at the bottom of the frame and let the weights in.

Sashes damaged by abrasions

If your sash windows have been damaged or leaky it is necessary to go beyond patch up the surface. Doing a thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, especially if you have a older house that has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and how to fix them:

Sticking Issues

If the sash isn't fitted well within the frame it will be difficult to open or close the window. This can result in rattling noises and let drafts in your home.

To get rid of this issue, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the interior side of the sash. Then pry it off. Be careful not to damage the wood. You'll then need to apply a Sash Windows repair lubricant which will allow it to move along smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

In certain instances, the old upvc double glazed sash windows-hung sashes utilize metal or cotton cords to support the weights that lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords could break and make it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. Follow these steps to fix it:

Pull the timber sash windows to the right and remove it from the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash. Cut it, and then remove any nails protruding from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers and then reinsert it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole and secure it with an nail set.

Install the beads on the staff and then reinstall the sash. Make sure you leave enough slack in the cords to ensure proper operation. Finally, reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a good method to minimize the risk of draughts. Apply small amounts of caulk between the bead boxes for staff.

Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to make it workable 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 balance and support the sashes in old double glazed sash windows-hung windows (two sashes), cotton cords or chains are attached to the counterweights. As time passes, the cords might break, preventing the sashes from opening and close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. The sash cords can be replaced in less than a few hours.

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

To open the window pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've gotten the maximum distance you can, mark the cord in pencil and cut it with a utility 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 by knotting the knot.

If the sash remains too high to move it, you can use sharp side cutters to cut off and remove the old cords. Once the sash has been removed you'll need to take off the access panel in the sash channel to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window is painted you might need to score the seams with an axe and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.

After removing the access panel there are two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the other on the front, and then tie each sash cord to a weight by using self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to reconnect the sash weights and reset the pulley mechanism to ensure that it is working correctly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a bit of history to older homes, however, they also pose problems with maintenance. They can be difficult to open and close and rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These issues can be caused by painted or swollen wood, or rotted sash cords. There are a variety of affordable and cost-effective solutions to repair these issues and keep your sash windows working correctly.

Disassembling an old sash is a first step in repairing it. Remove the sash, as well as the frame, and ensure whether all parts are in good order. Next, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and to prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can make the sash glide more easily. If the sash remains 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.

Weights are pushed across a system of pulleys to balance the weight of a sash window. These weights, usually constructed of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket on the inner box lining. A dividing strip is placed inside the window frame to stop the weights from colliding.

It can be difficult to reach these weights because the sash on top can be sealed with paint and then fixed with nails. If you're cautious and patient you can take off the sash by using a pair of bar clamps, reversed so that they spread apart, to ease it out of its groove in the rails that meet. It could take a little few jiggling and tapping to get it free, but once you have it out, be sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to.

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

Rotten sill

In time, the old timbers will deteriorate and even the best-maintained windows with sash can begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it might be possible to fix it. If the rot has gotten into the frame and even into the interior and has damaged structural parts it could be the time to replace the window.

If you've got rotten sill, it is important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to remove the old sill plate as well as studs. If the studs bear loads they may require you to build temporary supports. After removing the old sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with a new board and secure it to the studs.

A rotten sill is not only unsightly, it can also lead to expensive repairs in the near future. It could, for instance cause the sash that is hard to see to notice, to shift. This could lead to cracks, bowed or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water to get into the wall, which could cause mold and other problems.

It's not as difficult as you think to fix a damaged sill. It is crucial to maintain the window to avoid rot. Therefore, you should clean regularly the window tracks and sashes to keep them free from dirt and debris. Apply a sealant to the frames of the windows to keep them dry. Additionally, you should utilize a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture levels within your home, which will stop wooden sashes from swelling or sagging.

Sticking sashes are a common problem with sash windows. This issue can be fixed by applying a small amount silicone or wax to the window tracks. This will help them slide easier. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you can use an utility knife to slice through the paint layers and release the sashes.

Reinstalling the parting beads is another way to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash is still stuck, you can try making it draught-proof. This is done by placing a rubber strip between the frame and the sash, which reduces air flow and improves the acoustic performance of the window.