Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be extremely damaged from age and neglect. Cosmetic damage could require replacement. However, functional issues such as draughts or rattles are signs that a sash window needs to be repaired.
The first step is to steam the sash to loosen it. Remove the wood pegs with pin punch and hammer. Make sure to mark and identify all parts to ensure they can later be replaced correctly.
Wood that is damaged or broken
If not taken care of, rotting wood will begin to degrade brickwork and damage plaster around the window. It's important to know that this issue can be corrected without replacing the window.
First, ensure that the wood is dry. Check the color and grain of the wood to see if it's damp-free. If the wood appears to be 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 variety of spliced timber sections, and that these are sound and not impacted by damp.
Moisture that is trapped in the corners of sash frames is a common issue. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. To fix this issue, clean the sash channel and remove any obstruction with a sharp chisel made of wood. Once the sash channel is clear of any debris it can be primed in order to prevent future damp problems.
It is also essential to look at the wood used to construct 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 blend the joins. It is also possible to consider applying a wood preservative which can help keep the wood in good shape and help prevent rot.
If your sash window's timber is severely damaged and rotten it might be advisable to replace it entirely. It is essential to select windows that are in the same style of the windows you have in place to ensure that they look as great once they're installed. Selecting UPVC instead of timber for example, could potentially reduce the value of your property because potential buyers might think that you've strayed from period design choices.
Faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is made to move smoothly, however wood rot and other issues can affect its performance. A window that is not functioning properly could cause drafts to the home and the loss of energy efficiency. If you leave a sash window unattended it will begin to wear out more quickly. This could reduce its lifespan dramatically and may lead to moisture or water infiltration.
It can be frustrating to try and determine the cause of a sash window issue. The good news is that in many situations, a replacement of the sash may be the answer. Whether the issue is caused by rotting timber, misalignment or an imbalance of the sash, or broken glass replacement of one or both windows may help solve the issue.
Replacing just one sash of a window can be less costly than replacing both the frame and glass. It's also a much simpler task than installing new windows with double-hung frames, which require a larger number of trims and components that must be removed. If you are looking to replace a sash inside your home, a good place to begin is by visually taking a look at the existing window and frame. There may be gaps and misalignments that can cause the sash to tilt and prevent it from staying up.
In the majority of cases, it is possible to repair a double-hung window if you remove the trim and work from the inside. The first step is to take out the sash stops in the interior, which create a track on the inside of the bottom window. Spray the water hose on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, pry the stop off using the help of a utility knife. Then, using a razor blade you can trim off any nails protruding through the the stop's interior.
Once you've removed the sash and frame to look for a weight access panel, which is a knockout inside the frame that is large enough to let the weight of a sash through. If your frame doesn't have one, you can create a new access hole by cutting a rectangular cut in the jamb liners made of vinyl to the height of the stile on the sash.
Sash Weights That Aren't Working
The two weights that pull the sash upwards and down may become disconnected from each other in time, resulting in the sash getting jammed or stuck in an open position. This is typically caused by broken or worn cords that pull the sash, which must be replaced.
During this repair job it is essential to spread dust sheets as it is possible to stop any dirt or debris from settling on your carpet or furniture. This is especially important when you plan to lift or move the window during your work.
Start by carefully removing each bead from the frame on either side with a thin, wide chisel. You should notice a groove running down each side of the sash. It ultimately ends in the knot hole in which the new cord for the sash will be put. Be sure to take out any old cord knots that have been screwed or nailed into the hole.
Now it's time to begin replacing the sash cords beginning with the top sash. To accomplish this, gently lower the sash until it reaches the bottom sill, and then support it with a wedge on each side of the frame, or it could fall to the floor and break the glass, an issue you'll would prefer not to have!
Then, take off the access panel to the frame and then retrieve the sash weight and sash cable. Once you have the weight in hand remove the dado off the edge of the wood and insert an anchor nail to hold it. Make sure the nail is that is long enough to reach the sash's pocket as 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, then down into the windowbox and check whether it opens or 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).
If you're replacing both cords ensure that they're identical in length to the old ones were in order that when you remove one from its pin, it can fall freely through the sash to rest at the pulley and operate normally. After the sash has been re-hung, you can then reattach the stop beads and your sash is complete!
Damaged Glass
A broom, a baseball or a stone that is put out by a lawnmower can cause enough damage to the glass. Such shattered glass will allow water, snow, rain and even insects to enter your home. In some cases the resultant damage could require a complete replacement of the window. The installation of new windows can be expensive and time-consuming home improvement task. In most cases replacing broken windows is a more feasible option and is also less costly.
It is essential to examine the sash that is in use prior to trying to replace the glass. This is a great opportunity to identify any areas where the wood has begun to decay, or where old weather stripping, glue and hardware have become damaged. This inspection will save you time and money in the near future.
Once the glass is removed It's recommended to give the wood a good coat of homemade wood preservative. To make window repair near me mix equal parts mineral spirits and the oil of linseed. After mixing apply the mix to the sash's surface using a putty knife, and allow it to dry completely. This will ensure that the new glass and sash will remain water-resistant and durable for a long time.
If the sash is in good shape it is possible to fix it without taking off the glass. The first step is removing the window stop. It's a horizontal wood piece located over the stiles of the window frame. The stop is typically secured by a small pry bar that is placed over a stiff-bladed knife. Once the stop is removed, it's possible to separate the rail and stiles with an easy-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to prevent damaging the profile of the sash. The next step is removing the muntins. They are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that divide each glass pane inside the Sash.
After the muntins are removed, it's easy to replace the broken glass. Insert the metal tabs of each new pane into the slots in the sash and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in place.