Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be severely damaged over time. Cosmetic damage could require replacement. However, functional problems like rattles or draughts are signs that a sash window needs to be repaired.
First, steam the sash in order to loosen it. Remove the wood pegs using a hammer and pin punch. Make sure to mark and identify all parts to ensure that they can be replaced in the correct manner.
Broken or rotten timber
Unattended rotting wood can erode brickwork around windows and damage the plaster. It's important to know this issue is often fixed without replacing the window.
First, make sure the wood is dry. It is important to examine the grain and colour of the timber to determine if it is solid and unaffected by damp. If the wood is soft and brown, this means that it's likely that rot has already started to set in. Check if the sash's position is secured by a few wood spliced sections and that they aren't damp.
Moisture that is trapped in the corners of sash frames is another common issue. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. The solution to this is to clean the sash channels and eliminate any blockage with a sharp wood chisel. Once the sash channel is free of debris it can be primed to avoid any damp issues.
Also, it's worth looking into the wood used to construct the window frame. It is best to select timber that is the same color and grain pattern as the existing pieces of wood, otherwise it may be difficult to join the joins. It's also worth considering using a preservative for the timber, as it can help keep it in good condition and avoid decay.
If the timber in your sash windows is badly damaged and rotten, it might be a good idea to think about replacing it completely. If you decide to replace it, it's important to choose an alternative that's of the same style as your existing windows to ensure that it's as beautiful when it's installed in your home. The choice of UPVC instead of timber, for instance, could lower the value of your home since potential buyers might believe that you've gone against historical design preferences.
Insecure Sash Hardware
A sash is made to move smoothly, however wood rot or other issues can often affect its functionality. A window that is not functioning properly could also lead to drafts in the home and an increase in energy efficiency. The longer a sash window is left unattended, the more wear and tear it will experience. This can decrease its lifespan and cause water or moisture infiltration.
It can be frustrating to try and determine the cause of a sash-window issue. The good news is that in many instances, a replacement sash could be the solution. If the issue is caused by rotting timber, misalignment or imbalance of the sash, or even broken glass, replacing one or both windows may help solve the issue.
Replacing just one window sash is less expensive than replacing both the frame and the glass. It is also a simpler task than installing new double-hung windows, which require a greater amount of trims and components to be removed. Start by examining your existing window and frame if you wish to replace the sash. There may be gaps and inconsistencies that could lead to the sash tilting and prevent it from remaining upright.
In most cases it is possible repair a double-hung sash by removing the trim and work from the inside. First, you should remove the interior sash stops that create an internal track that runs along the inside of the window at the bottom. Spray a hose of water on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, you can pry the stop out with the help of a utility knife. Then, using a razor blade, you can cut off any nails protruding through the the interior stop.
If yours doesn't have one, you can create an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangular cut in the jamb liners of vinyl to the height of the stile for the sash. If yours does not have one, you can create an opening by cutting a rectangle from the jamb liner made of vinyl to the height of the stile.
Sash Weights that aren't working properly
In time, the two weights that move the sash upwards or down can become disengaged. This can cause the sash to become jammed or become stuck in the open position. This is due to broken or worn-out sashcords that require to be replaced.
During this repair job it is important to place dust sheets everywhere it is possible to stop any dirt or debris from reaching your carpet or furniture. This is especially important in the event that you intend to lift or move the window during your work.
Start by carefully removing each of the staff beads from the frame on either side with a thin, wide chisel. You should notice an incline running along each side of the sash that ultimately ends in the knot hole in which the new cord for the sash will be put. Take out any knots from the old cord that have been nailed or glued to the hole.
Now you're ready to start replacing the sash cords starting with the top sash. To accomplish this, gently lower the sash up until it is in contact with the bottom sill, and then support it with a wedge on both sides of the frame, otherwise it could fall to the floor and break the glass, an issue you'll want to avoid!
Then, you can remove the access panel from the frame in order to retrieve the sash cord and weight. Once you have the weight in your hand remove the dado cut off the edge of the wood, and insert a nail to hold it. Make sure you choose a nail that's long enough to reach the pocket of the sash otherwise it won't be able to fit.
After you have placed the weight on the sash, you can replace the sash by feeding the cord into the hole. Then push the sash up onto the rails, and down into the window box, examine how it opens and closes, and then add more lubrication to the rails as needed (we recommend candle wax for wood, or silicone spray for vinyl).
If you're replacing both cords ensure that they're the same length as the original ones were, so when you release one from its pin, it will slide down the sash, settling at the pulley and operate normally. After the sash has been hang again, you can put it back on the stop bead and your sash is complete!
Glass that is damaged
A stray ball or broom handle or a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers are usually enough to break a window pane. This shattered window glass allows rain, snow, water, and insects to enter the home. In some cases the damage caused by glass that has shattering could require a complete replacement of windows. The installation of new windows can be expensive and time-consuming home improvement project. In the majority of cases, replacing broken windows can be an easier and less costly option.
Before installing new glass, you need to make sure you examine the sash thoroughly. sash window repair will allow you to identify any previously hidden areas in which the wood is beginning to decay or where old weather stripping, glue and hardware have degraded. This test will save you time and money in the near future.
After the glass has been removed, it's recommended to give the wood a full coating of a homemade wood preservative. Mix equal amounts of mineral spirit and linseed in order to make the wood preservative. Once the mixture is mixed, apply the mixture to the surface of the sash with a putty blade and let it dry completely. This will ensure that your brand new glass and sash remains water-resistant and lasts for an extended period of time.
If the sash in good condition, you can fix it without needing to remove the glass. The first step is to take off the window stop. It's a horizontal wood piece located over the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is held in place by a small pry-bar over an apex blade that is fitted with a sharp blade. After you have removed the stop, you can separate the stiles and rails using a woodworking hammer or soft-faced hammer. This will avoid damaging the profile. The next step is to remove the muntins. They are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that divide each glass pane inside the Sash.
Once the muntins are removed, it's easy to replace the broken glass. Place the metal tabs of each new pane into the slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in their place.