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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows add a touch luxury to any house. Nevertheless, they can be drafty and difficult to clean due to age or wear. Sash window repairs are a great way of making them more functional and preserving the original beauty.

The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove "pocket covers". These are pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame that give access to the weights.

Sashes that have been damaged

If your sash window is damaged or leaking it is necessary to do more that just patch the surface. Doing a thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, especially when you live in an older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some common sash window problems and how to fix them:

Problems with Sticking

It is difficult to shut or open the window if the sash does not fit snugly into the frame. This can result in rattling noises and let drafts into your house.

To fix this issue you can use a utility knife to score the paint line on the interior side of the sash and pry it off. Be careful not to scratch the wood. Then, you'll want to apply a sash oil that will help it move more smoothly.

Broken Sash Cords

Some double-hung sashes from the past have cotton or metal cords supporting the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, the cords could break and make it difficult to lift the sash and keep it up. Follow these steps to repair it:

Move the sash right and take it off the frame. Cut the cord on the bottom of the sash. Remove any nails that are sticking out from 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 with the nail set.

Install the beads for staff and reinstall the sash. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to allow for the proper operation. Finally, reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is an excellent method to minimize the risk of draughts. Apply small amounts between the staff bead box.

Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash once it has been repaired. Glazing putty is made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry 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), cotton cords or chains are tacked to counterweights. As time passes, the chains can break which prevents the sashes from opening and closing and makes it difficult to lower or raise the window. Replacing the sash cords is an easy home fix that will solve these issues in less than an hour.

Start by removing the staff bead, which separates the upper and lower sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot, and then into the sash's casing to secure the bead, but you should be able to pull it free 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 sash groove.

To open the window pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've gotten as far as you are able to mark the cord with a pencil and cut it out using a utility knife. After you've finished, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove on the sash. Also, tie it to the sash with the knot.

If the sash is too high to move it, you can use sharp side cutters to cut and remove the old cords. Once the sash is freed, you will have to remove the access panels within the sash channels to expose the pulley system and counterweights. If the window is painted you may have to cut the seams using a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint.

Once you've removed the access panel, you'll see the two cast-iron sash weights inside each pocket. Take the weights off the front and back and connect the sash style double glazed windows cords to the weights with a self tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, you'll need reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley mechanism so that it works correctly.

Drafts

Sash windows add a bit of the past to older homes but they also pose 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 breeze, and allowing drafts in. These problems are often caused by the swelling of wood, paint buildup or sash cords that have rotted. There are several easy and cost-effective methods to correct these issues and keep your sash window operating properly.

Disassembling an old sash is the first step to fixing it. Remove the sash, and frame, and check that all components are in good order. Next, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and prevent draughts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can help the sash glide more easily. If the sash is still sticking, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. A new set of tilt-pins could improve the window's performance.

Weights are passed over a pulley system to balance the weight of windows with sash. These weights are typically cast iron and can be reached via an access panel or pocket cover located within the lining of the box of the frame. To prevent the weights from falling down, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure they don't collide.

The process of removing these weights can be difficult as the upper sash has been painted shut and can be secured by nailing it in the correct position. If you're diligent and cautious you can easily remove the sash by using a pair of bar clamps, reversed so that they disperse, to ease it out of the groove in the meeting rail. It could take a little some tapping and jiggling to pull it free however once you have removed it, make sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required.

You can also change the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. It's much easier than 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 become damaged and even the best-maintained windows with sash can begin to exhibit signs of rot. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it might be possible to restore it. If, however, it has spread through the frame into the interior of the home and has damaged structural members it's likely the time to replace it.

It is important to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After taking off the sill, clean any paint left on the sill plate. After the sill has been cleaned, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs.

A rotten sill can be unsightly and lead to future costly repairs. For example, it can cause the sash to move and can be difficult to detect and could result in a cracked or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill can allow water to get into the wall, causing mold.

It's not as difficult as it appears to fix a damaged sill. It is crucial to keep the window well-maintained to avoid rot, therefore you should regularly clean the window tracks and sashes in order to keep them free of dirt and debris. You should also apply a protective seal to the frames of your windows to shield them from moisture. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier in order to control the moisture levels in your home. This can stop wooden sashes from expanding or sagging.

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

Another way to solve stuck sash issues is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash remains stuck, you could try draught-proofing the sash. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the frame and the sash. This will reduce airflow and improves acoustic qualities.