Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become severely damaged by neglect and age. Cosmetic damage may require a replacement. However, functional problems like rattles or draughts are signs that a sash window needs to be repaired.
Steam the sash first to loosen it. Remove the wood pegs with a hammer and pin punch. Make sure to mark and identify all parts to ensure they can later be replaced correctly.
Broken or Rotten Wood
If left unattended, rotting wood can cause damage to the brickwork around windows and damage plaster. It's important to know this issue is often repaired without having to replace the window.
First, ensure that the wood is dry. Examine the colour and grain of the wood to see if it's damp-free. If the wood appears soft and brown it is likely that rot is already present. It is also worth determining whether the sash is held in place by a series of spliced timber sections and that these are sound and not impacted by damp.
Another issue that is frequently encountered is moisture trapped in the corners of frames for sash. If this is the case, it could cause sash to bind and become difficult to open. The solution to this is to clean the sash channels and remove any obstruction using the sharp edge of a wood chisel. Once the sash channel has been cleared clear of any debris it can be primed in order to avoid damp issues in the future.
It's also important to examine the wood used to build the window frame. It is recommended to choose wood that has a similar grain pattern and color to the existing wood pieces otherwise it will be difficult to mix the joins. You may also want to think about using a wood preserver, which will help keep the wood in good condition and help prevent the wood from rotting.
If the timber in your sash windows are severely damaged and rotten, it's a good idea to think about replacing it completely. If you decide to replace it you should select an alternative that's of the same style that your windows are, to ensure it's as appealing once it's installed in your home. Selecting UPVC instead of timber, for example, could potentially lower the value of your home since potential buyers might believe that you have gone against historical design preferences.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is designed to glide effortlessly, but often wood rot, as well as other issues can impact its functionality. Additionally an unfunctioning window can cause drafts and loss of energy efficiency in the home. The longer you leave a sash-window unattended it will begin to wear out more quickly. This can reduce its lifespan and lead to water or moisture infiltration.
If a sash window doesn't seem to be functioning properly it can be a frustrating experience and difficult to determine the root of the issue. In many cases replacing the sash may be the solution. Replace one or both windows if the problem is caused by decaying wood, misalignment or imbalance.
Replacing just a single window sash is less expensive than replacing the entire frame and glass. It's also a much simpler project than installing new double-hung windows which require a greater amount of trims and components to be removed. Start by visually inspecting your existing window and frame, if you are planning to replace the sash. There may be gaps and misalignments that can cause the sash to tilt, and stop it from remaining up.
In the majority of cases, it is possible repair a double-hung sash if you remove the trim and work from the inside. It is best to first take off the stopper in the interior of the sash that creates a track in the bottom window. To do this spray a hose using water and lightly mist the paint surface of the interior stop, then pull it off with a utility knife. Then, you can make use of a razor blade remove any nail heads protruding from 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 rectangular cut in the vinyl jamb liners to the height of the stile of the sash. If yours doesn't have one, you can create an opening by cutting a rectangle of the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.
Sash Weights that aren't working properly
The two weights that pull the sash upwards and down can become disconnected from one another in time, resulting in the sash getting jammed or stuck in an open position. This is typically caused by worn or broken cords for sash that need to be replaced.
It's important that you apply dust sheets wherever you can during this repair process to prevent dirt or debris from getting onto your carpet or furniture. This is particularly crucial if you intend on lifting and moving the window while working to avoid damaging any area of your home.
Start by carefully removing each staff bead from the frame on either side with a thin, broad chisel. There is a groove that runs down the sash's side and finishes with a hole for the new sashcord. Make sure to remove any knots on the old cord that are nailed or screwed into the hole.
You're now ready to start replacing the sash cords, beginning with the top sash. To accomplish this, gently lower the sash up until it is in contact with the bottom sill and support it by placing a wedge on both sides of the frame, otherwise it could fall to the floor and break the glass, an issue you'll need to avoid!
Then, you can remove the access panel from the frame in order to retrieve the sash cord as well as the weight. Once you have the sash weight, take the dado from the wood's edge and then insert the nail to fix it. Make sure you choose an appropriate length nail to reach the sash pocket otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have placed the weight on the sash, you can replace the sash by feeding the cord through the hole. Then, you can push the sash up onto the rails, and down into the window box, check the way it opens and closes and 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 they're the same length as the old ones were in order that when you remove one from its pin it can fall freely through the sash, settling at the pulley and continue to function normally. After window glass repair near me has been hang again, you can put it back on the stop bead and your sash will be completed!
Glass that is damaged
A broom, a baseball, or a stone that is thrown by a lawnmower could be enough to break the glass. The glass that has been broken allows rain, snow and insects to get into the home. In some instances, the damage caused by glass that has shattering might require a complete replacement of windows. However, installing new windows can be a huge expense home improvement project. In most cases, replacing broken window panes can be a much more manageable and less costly option.
It is important to inspect the existing sash thoroughly before trying to replace the glass. This is a great opportunity to discover any hidden areas where the wood is beginning to decay, or where the weather stripping, glue and hardware have degraded. Making the effort to conduct this check will prevent you from having to do more work later on.
After the glass has been removed, it's an ideal idea to give the wood a full coating of a homemade wood preservative. To make it, mix equal parts mineral spirits and linseed oil. Apply the mixture using a putty knife to the surface of sash and let it completely dry. This will ensure that the new glass and sash will remain waterproof and durable for a long time.
If the sash in good condition, you can fix it without removing the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop which is a vertical piece wood that is located above the stiles of the window frame. This is usually held in place using a small bar that is placed over a stiff-bladed knife. After removing the stop, you can cut the stiles and rails using a woodworking hammer or soft-faced hammer. This will prevent damage to the profile. The next step is removing the muntins. These are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that divide the glass panes within a sash.
It's simple to replace damaged glass after the muntins are removed. Insert the metal tabs from each new pane into their slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to secure them in the right place.