Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become seriously damaged over time. While cosmetic damage may require a replacement, functional problems with a window such as draughts and rattles indicate the window's repair is in order.
The first step is to steam the sash to loosen it. Then, remove the wood pegs with pin punches and hammers. Note down all the components to ensure that they can be re-used correctly in the future.
Wood that is damaged or broken
If left unattended, rotting timber will begin to degrade brickwork and damage plaster around the window. The good thing is that a lot of the time, this issue can be corrected without the need to replace the entire window.
The first thing to be taken care of is to ensure the timber in the question is dry. It is important to examine the grain and color of the timber to determine if it is solid and unaffected by damp. If the wood appears to be soft and brown it is likely that rot is already present. Verify that the sash's location is supported by a variety of wood spliced sections and that they are not damp.
Moisture accumulating in the corners of sash frames is another common issue. If this is the case, it could cause sash frames to bind and become difficult to open. The solution to this is to clean the sash channels and eliminate any obstruction with a chisel made of wood. Once the sash channels are free of debris, they can be primed to stop any future issues with damp.
Finally, it's also worth looking into the wood used to construct the window frame. It is recommended to choose timber that has a similar grain and colour to the existing pieces of wood, otherwise it may be difficult to blend the joins. It's also worth considering using a preservative on the wood, since this will help keep it in better shape and prevent rot.
If the wood of your sash windows is damaged and rotten it's a good idea to think about replacing them completely. It is essential to select windows that are in the same style of your existing windows to ensure that they will appear as nice once they are installed. Selecting UPVC instead of timber for instance, could reduce the value of your home as prospective buyers may think that you have gone against historical design preferences.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is made to glide effortlessly, but often wood rot and other issues can hinder its functionality. In addition, 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 is likely to experience. This could reduce its lifespan significantly and may lead to moisture or water infiltration.
When a sash window isn't functioning properly it can be a frustrating experience and difficult to pinpoint the root of the issue. In many cases, replacing the sash can be the solution. Replace one or both of the windows if the issue is due to rotting wood, misalignment or an imbalance.
Replacing just one window sash can be less expensive than replacing both the frame and the glass. It can also be an easier task than installing a brand new double hung window, which requires the removal of a larger amount of trim and parts. If you want to replace a sash in your home, the best place to start is by visually taking a look at the existing window and frame. There may be gaps and issues that could cause the sash to tilt, and stop it from staying up.
In the majority of instances, it is possible to fix a double hung sash by cutting off the trim and working from the inside of the frame. First, you should remove the sash stops inside that create an internal track that runs along the side of the window that is on the bottom. To accomplish this spray a hose using water and lightly mist the paint inside the stop. Then, pry it off using a knife. You can then employ a razor blade to remove any nail heads sticking out of the back of the stop.
After removing the frame and sash to look for a weight access panel which is a knockout in the frame large enough to pass an sash weight through. If yours doesn't have one, you can make a new access hole by cutting a rectangular cut in the jamb liners made of vinyl to the height of the stile for the sash.
Sash Weights That Aren't Working
As time passes the two weights used to move the sash upwards or down may become disconnected. This could cause the sash's to jam or get stuck in an open position. This is due to worn out or broken cords for sash that must be replaced.
When you are working on this repair, it's important to spread dust sheets as it is possible to stop any debris or dirt from reaching your furniture or carpet. This is particularly crucial if you intend on lifting and moving the window while working, to avoid damaging any part of your home.
When the sash is completely free begin by carefully taking off the staff beads on each side of the window frame with an extremely thin chisel. You will see the groove that runs down each side of the sash and ends with a gap for the new sashcord. Be sure to get rid of any knots on the old cord that are nailed or screwed 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 reaches the bottom sill. Support it with a thin wedge on each side of the frame, otherwise it may drop to the floor and break the glass, an issue you'll would prefer not to have!
Then, you can remove the access panel to the frame and take the sash weight and sash cable. Once you have the weight in hand take the dado cut from the edge of the wood, and insert an anchor nail to secure it. Make sure the nail is long enough to reach the pocket of the sash otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have the weight in place You can then replace the sash cord by feeding it into the hole. Then, you can push the sash onto the rails, then down into the windowbox and check the way it opens and closes. If you need to you want to increase the lubrication on the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl, or candle wax for wooden sashes).
Replace window repairs . Make sure they're of the same length so that if you remove one from the pin, it will slide through the sash and rest at the pulley, which will allow the sash to function normally. After the sash has been re-hung, you can then reattach the stop beads and your sash is complete!
Glass that is damaged
A stray ball or broom handle or an object thrown by the lawnmowers are usually enough to crack a window. Broken windows allow rain, snow, and insects to enter the home. In some cases the damage could call for total window replacement. The installation of new windows can be a costly and time-consuming home improvement project. In the majority of cases, replacing damaged window panes is a much more manageable and less expensive option.
Before attempting to install new glass, you need to make sure you examine the sash thoroughly. This is a great opportunity to find any hidden areas where the wood is beginning to rot, or areas where glue, weather stripping and hardware have deteriorated. By taking the time to conduct this inspection will prevent you from having to perform more work later on.
After removing the glass it's recommended to have the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. Mix equal parts mineral spirits and linseed to create the wood preservative. Apply the mixture with a putty blade to the surface of sash 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, it's possible to repair it without having to remove the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop that is a vertical piece wood located above the stiles in the window frame. The window stop is fixed by a small pry-bar over the putty blade, which is a sharp blade. After the stop has been removed, it is possible to split the stiles and rails by using a soft-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to avoid damaging the shape of the sash. The next step is to remove the muntins. They are the horizontal and vertical 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 of each new pane into their slots in the sash, and use glazing compound to secure them in their place.