Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be extremely damaged by neglect and age. While cosmetic damage may require a replacement however, functional issues with a window such as rattles and draughts suggest that the repair of sash windows is in order.
The first step is to steam the sash to loosen it. Remove the wood pegs using a hammer and pin punch. Mark and identify all components to ensure they can be replaced correctly.
Broken or Rotten Timber
If left unattended, rotting wood can cause damage to the brickwork around the window and cause damage to plaster. The good thing is that a lot of the time, this can be rectified without the need to replace the window completely.
The first thing to be taken care of is to ensure the timber in question is dry. It is important to examine the grain and color of the timber to determine if it is sound and not affected by damp. If the wood appears to be soft and brown it is likely that rot is already present. It is also important to determine whether the sash is held in place by a number of spliced timber sections, and ensure that they're sound and not impacted by damp.
Moisture that is trapped in the corners of sash frames is a frequent issue. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. To solve this problem, clean the sash channel thoroughly and remove any obstructions using the sharp edge of a chisel. When the sash channel is free of debris it can be primed in order to avoid any damp issues.
It's also worth examining the timber that is used to create the window frame. It is best to use wood that has a similar grain pattern and colour to the existing wood pieces otherwise it will be difficult to blend together the joins. It's also worth looking at using a preservative on the timber, as it can help keep it in good condition and help prevent decay.
If the wood in your sash windows is very severely damaged and rotten, it's a good idea to think about replacing it completely. If you decide to replace it you should select the replacement that has the same design that your windows are, to ensure it will be as attractive when it's installed in your home. Selecting UPVC instead of timber, for instance, could lower the value of your home as prospective buyers may think that you've gone against the traditional design style.
Faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is made to glide effortlessly, but often wood rot, as well as other problems can affect its functionality. Additionally, a poorly functioning window can cause drafts and the loss of energy efficiency in the home. The longer the sash window is left unattended the more wear and tear it will experience. This can shorten its lifespan significantly and could cause water or moisture infiltration.
It can be difficult trying to determine the cause of a sash-window issue. The good news is that in many instances, a replacement sash might be the solution. If the issue is due to rotting timber, misalignment or imbalance of the sash, or even broken glass replacement of one or both windows can help solve the issue.
Replacing just a single window sash is less costly than replacing the entire frame and glass. It is also a simpler project than installing new double-hung windows which require a greater amount of trims and components to be removed. If you want to replace a sash within your home, the best place to begin is by visually inspecting the existing window and frame. You may notice gaps or misalignments, which can cause the sash slide down and hinder it from remaining up.
In most cases, it is possible to fix a double hung sash by cutting off the trim and working from the inside of the frame. It is best to first remove the interior sash stop which creates a track in the bottom window. Spray a hose of water on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, you can pry the stop out with an utility blade. Then, use a razor blade to remove any nail heads sticking out of the back of the stop.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can look for a weight access panel, which is a knockout inside the frame that is large enough to allow a sash weight through. If yours doesn't have one, you can create an access hole by cutting a rectangular cut in the vinyl jamb liners to the size of the stile on the sash.
A faulty Sash Weighs
The two weights that pull the sash upwards and down may be separated from one another in time, resulting in the sash getting jammed or stuck in an open position. This is typically caused by damaged or worn-out cords that pull the sash, which must be replaced.
It is important to lay down dust sheets everywhere you can during this repair process to stop dirt or other debris from getting onto your furniture or carpet. This is especially important if you plan on lifting and moving the window around while working, to avoid damaging any area of your home.
Start by carefully removing each bead from the frame on either side with a thin, broad chisel. You should notice an incline running along each side of the sash that eventually ends with the knot hole that is where the new sash cord will be placed. Remove any knots on the old cord that have been nailed or glued to the hole.
You're now ready to start replacing the sash cords, starting with the top sash. To do this, lower the sash gently until it hits the bottom sill. It can be supported by the wood either side of the frame. Otherwise, it could fall to the floor, breaking the glass.
Then, you can remove the access panel from the frame to retrieve the sash cord and weight. Once you have the weight in hand, remove the dado cut off the edge of the wood, and insert an anchor nail to fix it. Make sure to use the nail with enough length to reach the pocket of the sash, otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have placed the weight, you can replace the sash by putting the cord through the hole. Then, push the sash over the rails, and down into the windowbox, and then test how it opens/closes. If needed you need to add more lubrication to the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl, or candle wax for wooden sashes).
Replace both cords. Make sure they're the same length, so that when you take one off the pin, it will fall through the sash and then rest at the pulley, allowing the sash to function normally. Once the sash is hang again, you can put it back on the stop bead and your sash will be complete!
Glass damaged
A stray ball or broom handle or a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers can crack a window. Broken windows allow rain, snow and insects to enter the home. In some instances, the resulting damage may require a complete replacement of the window. The installation of new windows can be an expensive and time-consuming home improvement project. In most instances, replacing damaged window panes is an easier and less expensive alternative.
It is important to inspect the sash before attempting to replace the glass. This is a great way to find any hidden areas in which the wood has begun to decay, or where glue, weather stripping and hardware have deteriorated. This test will save you time and money in the near future.
After the glass has been removed it's an ideal idea to give the wood a thorough coating of a homemade wood preservative. window repairman 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 allow it to dry completely. This will help to ensure that the new glass and sash remain water-resistant and durable over time.
If the sash is in good shape, it's possible to repair it without having to remove the glass. The first step is to take off the window stop that is a vertical piece wood that is placed above the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is fixed by a small pry-bar that is placed over an apex blade that is fitted with a stiff blade. After you have removed the stop, you can cut the stiles and rails with the woodworking hammer or a soft-faced hammer. This will prevent damage to the profile. The next step is removing the muntins. They are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that make up each pane of glass inside the Sash.
After the muntins are removed, it's easy to replace the broken glass. Insert the metal tabs from each new pane into their slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to secure them in place.