Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be severely damaged over time. Cosmetic damage could require replacement. However, functional problems such as draughts or rattles are indicators that a sash windows needs to be repaired.
Steam the sash first to loosen it. Then remove the wood pegs with the help of a pin punch and hammer. Make sure to identify and label all parts so that they can be re-used correctly later.
Wood that is broken or rotten
If left unattended, rotting timber can start to erode brickwork and damage the plaster around the window. The good part is that most of the time, this issue can be fixed without having to replace the entire window.
The first thing to be taken care of is to make sure that the timber in question is dry. Check the color and grain of the wood to determine whether it's dry. If the wood appears soft and brown, this indicates that it's very likely that rot has already started to set in. It is also worth determining if the sash is being held in place by a series of spliced timber sections and that these are sound and not affected by damp.
Another issue that is frequently encountered is moisture getting trapped in the corners of sash frames. This can cause the sash become stuck and difficult to open. To solve this problem, clean the sash channel and remove any obstruction with the sharp edge of a chisel. When the sash channel is free of obstructions, it can be primed to avoid any damp issues.
Finally, it's also worth looking at the wood used to construct the window frame. It's best to use timber that has a similar grain and colour to the wood pieces that are already in use, otherwise it may be difficult to join the joins. It's also worth considering applying a preservative to the timber, as this can help to keep it in better shape and help prevent rot.
If the wood in your sash windows is very severely damaged and rotten, it may be wise to think about replacing it completely. If you decide to do this you should select an alternative that's of the same style as the windows you have to ensure that it's as appealing when it's put in your home. The choice of UPVC over timber for instance, can decrease the value of your home as potential buyers may believe that you're ignoring the traditional design.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is made to glide smoothly, but wood rot or other issues can impact its function. A window that is not functioning properly could also cause drafts in the house and an increase in energy efficiency. The longer you do not keep a sash-window in a secure location it will begin to wear out faster. This can reduce its lifespan and cause water or moisture infiltration.
If a sash window doesn't seem to be functioning properly, it can be frustrating and difficult to pinpoint the cause. In many instances replacing the sash could be the solution. Replace one or both windows if the problem is due to rotting wood, misalignment, or an imbalance.
Replacing a single window sash is less costly than replacing the entire frame and glass. It is also simpler than constructing a new double hung window that requires the removal of a greater amount of trim and other components. If you are looking to replace a sash in your home, the best place to start is by visually looking at the window and frame. There could be gaps or misalignments that could cause the sash to slide down and hinder it from staying up.
In the majority of cases, it's possible to repair the double-hung sash by taking the trim off and working from the inside of the frame. First, you must take off the stopper in the interior of the sash which creates a track within the window at the bottom. Spray a hose of water over the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then pry the stop away using the help of a utility knife. Then, using a razor blade, you can cut off any nails protruding from the the interior stop.
If yours doesn't have one you can make an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangular cut in the jamb liners of vinyl to the height of the stile of the sash. If your frame doesn't have one, you can make an additional hole by cutting a rectangle of the jamb liner of vinyl to the height of the stile.
Sash Weights That Aren't Working
In time the two weights used to move the sash up or down may become disconnected. This can cause the sash to become jammed or become stuck in the open position. This is due to worn out or broken sashcords that need to be replaced.
It is essential to apply dust sheets wherever you can during this repair process to stop dirt or other debris from getting on your furniture or carpet. This is especially important when you plan to lift or move the window during your work.
Start by carefully removing each staff bead from the frame on either side with a small, wide chisel. You should notice a groove running along each side of the sash that eventually ends with an opening for knots 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 accomplish this, gently lower the sash up until it is in contact with the bottom sill. Support it with a wedge on either side of the frame, otherwise it could fall to the floor and break the glass, something you'll would prefer not to have!
Then, take off the access panel from the frame and then retrieve the sashweight and sash cable. Once you have the sash weight removed, remove the dado from the wood's edge and insert the nail to secure it. Make sure that the nail is that is long enough to reach the pocket of the sash as 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, you can push the sash over the rails, and down into the windowbox, and test the way it opens and closes. If you need to, add more 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 will slide down the sash, settling at the pulley and operate normally. When the sash is again hung you can then reconnect the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Damaged Glass
A stray baseball, a broom handle, or a pebble thrown by the lawnmower are often enough to crack a window. Glass that has been broken can let water, snow, rain and insects into the home. In certain cases, the resulting damage may call for total window replacement. However, replacing windows can be a huge expensive home improvement project. In the majority of cases replacing broken window panes is a more feasible option and is also cheaper.
Before you attempt to install new glass, you need to take the time to thoroughly inspect the existing sash. This is a chance to discover any previously unnoticed areas in which the wood is beginning to decay or where the old weather stripping, glue and hardware have become damaged. This test will save you time and money in the near future.
After repairing upvc windows has been removed, it's a good idea to give the wood a good coating of a homemade wood preservative. To make it mix equal parts mineral spirits and the oil of linseed. Apply the mix using a putty blade to the surface of sash, and allow it to dry completely. This will ensure that your new glass and sash will remain waterproof and durable for an extended period of time.
If the sash is in good shape it is possible to repair it without taking off the glass. The first step is removing the window stop. It's a horizontal wood piece located above the stiles of a window frame. It is typically secured by a small pry bar, which is atop a stiff-bladed knife. Once the stop is removed, it is possible to separate the rail and stiles with an easy-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to avoid damaging the profile of the sash. The next step is to remove the muntins. These are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that separate each glass pane within a Sash.
It's simple to replace damaged glass once the muntins are removed. Insert the metal tabs from each new pane into the slots in the sash, and use glazing compound to hold them securely in their place.