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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows add a touch of class to any home. However, they can be problematic and drafty because of wear and age. Sash window repairs can be a great option for improving functionality and maintaining the original beauty.
The first step in fixing windows with sash is to remove "pocket covers". These are bits of wood, low down on the frame, that allow access to the weights.
Sashes damaged by abrasions
If your sash windows are damaged or leaking air it is necessary to go beyond patch the surface. Doing a thorough repair can save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older home with poor insulation. Here are some common problems that sash windows face and the way to fix it:
Problems with Sticking
If the sash isn't fitted tightly within the frame, it's difficult to open or close the window. This can cause rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home.
To resolve this solution, use a knife to cut the paint line on the inside side of the sash and remove it. Be careful not to damage the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash lubricant that will help it move easily.
Broken Sash Cords
In some instances, older double-hung sashes use either cotton or metal cords to support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords could break and make it difficult to lift the sash and keep it up. Follow these steps to fix the problem:
Then, pull the sash 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 sticking out from the end. With needle-nosed pliers, remove the nail and insert it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it with an nail set.
Install the sash again and add the staff beads. Make sure you leave enough for the cords to ensure proper operation. Reinstall the balances and counterweights. To lessen the chance of draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk may be applied between the staff bead and the box.
Once the sash and frame are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty can be made by mixing chalk and linseed. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Allow the putty to dry completely before applying the sash back and painting the frame.
Broken sash cords
To balance and support the sashes in older double-hung windows (two sashes), chains or cotton cords are affixed to counterweights. As time passes, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening and closing and makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these problems in a matter of less than an hour.
Start by removing the staff bead that separates the lower and upper sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot, and then into the side of the sash casing to hold the bead in place however, you should be in a position to remove it by using needle-nose pliers. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads and clean off any paint, caulk and old cord traces around the groove in the sash.
To open the window, pull on one of the cords that run through the sash to raise it up. When you've made it as far as you can, mark the cord in pencil and cut it using a utility knife. After you've finished making sure that the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash and is connected to the frame by a knot.
If the sash is 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 you'll need to take off the access panel in the sash channel to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If find more information is painted you might need to score the seams with an axe and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.
After you've removed the access panel, you'll see the two cast-iron sash weights inside each pocket. Remove the one on the back and the one on the front, then tie each sash cord to a weight with self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, you'll need to reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly.
Drafts
Sash windows add a bit of history to older homes, but they also present problems with maintenance. They can be difficult or even impossible to open and close with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by wind, and letting drafts through. These problems are often caused by the swelling of wood paint buildup, sash cords that have become rotted. There are a number of simple and cost-effective ways to address these issues and keep your sash window working properly.
The first step in repairing an old sash window is disassembling it. Remove the sash as well as the frame and make sure the components are in good condition. Then, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and stop draughts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can make the sash move more easily. If the sash still sticks to the wall, use a utility knife to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt pins can improve the window's performance.
Weights are passed over a pulley system to balance the weight of the sash window. The weights, usually made of cast iron, can be accessed through an access panel or pocket located on the inner box lining. A dividing strip is placed inside the window frame to prevent the weights from colliding.
Accessing these weights is difficult as the upper sash has been painted shut and can be secured by nailing it in the correct position. However, if you're diligent and cautious you can easily remove the sash using bar clamps, reversed so that they disperse, to ease it out of the groove in the rail that connects it. It may take a few tapping and jiggling to get it out but once you've got removed it, make sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) if necessary.
While you're at the same time, you could also change the sash balance to make it easier to open and close. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is much simpler than it sounds and you can do it yourself using the right tools and a replacement kit.
Rotten sill
Even the best-maintained windows will eventually show signs of rot. If the rot is only limited to the sill, it could be possible to restore the window. If it has progressed through the frame and into the interior of the house and has damaged structural members it's likely the time to replace it.
If you have a rotten sill, you must to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to take off the old sill plates and studs. You may have to install temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After you have removed the sill, take off any paint left on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill then replace it with the new one and secure it to the studs.
A sill that is rotten can be unsightly and lead to costly repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash's to shift, which can be difficult to spot and could result in cracks or broken glass pane. A sill that is rotten may let water in the wall, causing mold.
It's not as difficult as it appears to fix a damaged sill. To avoid rot, keep the window clean and free of dirt and debris. Apply a protective seal on the window frames to keep them dry. You can also use a humidifier to regulate the humidity inside your home. This will prevent wooden sashes from forming or swelling.
Sticking sashes are a common issue with windows made of sash. To fix them you can apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray to the window tracks to enable them to slide easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use a utility knife to cut through the paint layers and remove the sashes.
Reinstalling the bead that is parting 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 an insulating strip of rubber between the frame and the sash which decreases air flow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.