Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become seriously damaged over time. Cosmetic damage could require a replacement. However, functional issues like rattles or draughts are signs that a sash windows needs to be repaired.
Steam the sash to loosen it. Take off the wood pegs using pin punch and hammer. Identify and mark all components so that they can be re-used correctly later.
Broken or Rotten Wood
If left unattended, rotting timber will begin to degrade brickwork and damage the plaster around the window. It's important to know this issue is often repaired without having to replace the window.
First, ensure the wood is dry. It is important to examine the grain and color of the wood to determine if it is sound and not affected by damp. If the wood is soft and brown, it means that it is quite likely that rot has already started to set in. It is also worth determining whether the sash is held in place by a variety of spliced timber sections, and ensure that they're sound and not affected by damp.
Another issue that is common is moisture trapped in the corners of the frames for sash. If this is the case, it can cause sash to become tangled and become difficult to open. The solution to this is to clean the sash channels and eliminate any obstruction using the sharp edge of a wood chisel. When the sash channel is free of obstructions, it can be primed in order to prevent future damp problems.
It's also important to evaluate the wood used to build the window frame. It is best to use wood that has the same grain pattern and color to the wood pieces that are already in use, otherwise it can be difficult to mix the joins. It is also possible to think about using a wood preservative, which will aid in keeping the wood in good condition and help prevent the wood from rotting.
If the timber in your sash windows is badly damaged and rotten, it's a good idea to think about replacing it completely. It is crucial to choose an alternative window that is that is the same style as the windows you have in place to ensure they will look as great once they're installed. The choice of UPVC instead of timber, for example, could potentially decrease the value of your home because potential buyers might think that you've strayed from historical design preferences.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is constructed to glide effortlessly, but often, wood rot and other issues can hinder its functionality. A window that isn't functioning properly can also lead to drafts in the house and an increase in energy efficiency. If you do not keep a sash-window in a secure location, it will wear out more quickly. This can reduce its lifespan and lead to water or moisture infiltration.
It can be difficult to try and determine the cause of a sash window issue. The good news is, in many instances, a replacement sash might be the solution. The issue could be due to decaying timber, a misalignment or imbalance of the sash, or even broken glass, replacing one or both windows could aid in solving the issue.
Replacing just one sash of a window can be less costly than replacing both the frame and the glass. It's also a less complicated task than installing new double-hung windows which require a higher number of trims and parts to be removed. If you are looking to replace a sash within your home, a good way to start is by visually taking a look at the existing window and frame. You may notice gaps or misalignments, which can cause the sash slide down and hinder it from staying up.
In the majority of cases, it is possible repair a double-hung sash by removing the trim and work from the inside. You should first take off the stopper in the interior of the sash, which creates a track inside the bottom window. Spray a hose of water on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then pry the stop out with an utility blade. Then, make use of a razor blade remove any nail heads sticking out of the back of the stop.
If the home you live in doesn't have an access hole you can make an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangle in the jamb liners of vinyl to the height of the stile of the sash. If yours doesn't have one, you can make an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangle in the vinyl jamb liners to the height of the sash stile.
Sash that isn't working properly weighs
The two weights that pull the sash up and down may become disconnected from each other over time, leading to the sash getting jammed or stuck in an open position. This is typically caused by damaged or worn-out cords for sash that need to be replaced.
It is essential to put down dust sheets everywhere possible during this project to stop dirt or other debris from getting on your carpet or furniture. This is crucial, particularly when you plan to lift and move the window during your work.
Begin by carefully removing each bead from the frame on either side with a thin, wide chisel. There will be the groove that runs down each side of sash and finishes with a hole for the new sashcord. Be glass window repair to get rid of any old cord knots that have been screwed or nailed into the hole.
Now it's time to begin replacing the sash cords, starting with the top sash. To do this, gently pull the sash up until it is in contact with the bottom sill. Support it with a thin wedge on either side of the frame, or it may drop to the floor and break the glass - an issue you'll would prefer not to have!
You can then remove the access panel from the frame to retrieve the sash cord and sash weight. Once you have the sash weight, take the dado from the wood's edge and insert the nail to fix it. Make sure you use an appropriate length nail to reach the sash pocket, otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have the weight in place You can then replace the sash cord by feeding it through the hole. Then, push the sash onto the rails, and down into the windowbox, and test the way it opens and closes. If needed you want to increase the lubrication on the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl, or candle wax for wooden sashes).
If you're replacing both cords ensure that they're the same length as the old ones in order that when you remove one from its pin, it will slide down the sash until it lands on the pulley, and then function normally. When the sash is again hung it is then possible to re-attach the stop beads and your sash will be complete!
Damaged Glass
A baseball, a broom or a stone put out by a lawnmower can be enough to break the glass. Such shattered glass will allow rain, snow, and even insects to enter your home. In some instances, the damage caused by broken glass may necessitate a complete replacement of the window. However, installing new windows is a significant expense home improvement project. In most cases, replacing damaged window panes can be an easier and less costly alternative.
It is crucial to check the existing sash thoroughly before trying to replace the glass. This is a great way to find any hidden areas where the wood has begun to rot, or where glue, weather stripping and hardware have become damaged. This test will save you time and money in the future.
Once the glass is removed it's recommended to give the wood a full coating of a homemade wood preservative. To make it mix equal parts of mineral spirits and Linseed oil. Apply the mixture with a putty blade to the sash's surface and let it dry completely. This will ensure that your brand new glass and sash will remain water-resistant and durable for a long time.
If the sash is in good condition, you can repair it without needing to remove the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop. This is a vertical wood piece that is situated above the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is fixed by a tiny pry-bar positioned over the putty blade, which is a stiff blade. After the stop is removed, it is possible to separate the rail and stiles by using a soft-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to avoid damaging the profile of the sash. The next step is removing the muntins. They are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that separate each pane of glass inside the shash.
After the muntins have been removed, it's simple to replace the glass that has been broken. Use glazing compound to secure the tabs of metal in their slots on the sash.