Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become severely damaged by neglect and age. While cosmetic damage would likely need to be repaired, functional problems with a window like rattles and draughts suggest that sash window repair is required.
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 that they can be replaced properly.
Wood that is damaged or broken
If left unattended, rotting timber can start to erode brickwork and damage the plaster around the window. It's good to know that this issue can be corrected without replacing the window.
The first thing that needs to be taken care of is to make sure that the timber in question is dry. It is crucial to check the grain and color of the timber to determine if it's sound and not affected by damp. If the wood is brittle and brown, it means that it's very likely that rot has already started to set in. Make sure that the sash's place is secured by a few spliced sections of timber and that they are not damp.
Another common issue is moisture getting trapped in the corners of frames of sash. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. To fix this issue clean the sash channel thoroughly and remove any obstruction using a sharp wooden chisel. When the sash channel is free of debris it can be primed to avoid damp issues in the future.
Finally, it's also worth examining the timber used to construct the window frame. It is best to use wood that has a similar grain pattern and colour to the wood pieces that are already in use, otherwise it can 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 better shape and avoid rot.
If the wood of your sash windows are severely damaged and rotten, it may be wise to think about replacing them completely. If you choose to replace them, it's important to choose an alternative that's of the same design as the windows you have to ensure that it's as beautiful when it's installed in your home. Selecting UPVC instead of timber for example, could potentially decrease the value of your home because potential buyers might think that you've gone against period design choices.
Faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is designed to glide smoothly, but wood rot and other issues can often affect its functionality. In addition, a poorly functioning window can lead to drafts and loss of energy efficiency in the home. If you leave a sash-window unattended and it wears out faster. This can shorten its lifespan significantly, and it could also 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 source of the problem. In many instances replacing the sash may 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 is less expensive than replacing the frame and glass. It is also a simpler project than installing new windows with double-hung frames, which require a larger number of trims and components that must be removed. It is possible to begin by visually inspecting your existing window and frame if you want to replace the sash. You may notice gaps or misalignment, which could cause the sash to slide down and hinder it from staying up.
In most cases, it's possible to repair a double-hung sash if you remove the trim and work from the inside. It is best to first remove the interior sash stop that creates a track inside the window at the bottom. To accomplish this spray a hose with water and lightly mist the inside the stop, then pry it off with a utility knife. After that, using a sharp blade to cut off any nails that are protruding from the back of the interior stop.
If yours doesn't have one, you can create an access hole by cutting a rectangle into the jamb liners of vinyl to the height of the stile for the sash. If yours doesn't have one, you can make an additional hole by cutting out a rectangle from the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.
Faulty Sash Weighs
In time, the two weights that move the sash upwards or down can become disconnected. This can 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 settling on your carpet or furniture. This is especially important in the event that you intend to lift and move the window during your work.
When the sash is completely free, start by carefully taking off the staff beads on the opposite side of the window frame with a thin wide chisel. There will be a groove that runs down the sash's side and ends with a gap for the new sashcord. Remove window glass repair near me on the old cord stuck or glued into the hole.
Begin by replacing the top sash cord. To accomplish this, gently lower the sash until it hits the bottom sill, and then support it with a thin wedge on both sides of the frame, otherwise it may drop to the floor and break the glass, something you'll would prefer not to have!
Then, remove the access panel to the frame and retrieve the sash weight and sash cable. Once you have the weight in your hand, remove the dado cut off the edge of the wood and insert an anchor nail to hold it. Make sure the nail is long enough to get into the pocket of the sash, otherwise it will not fit.
Once you have the weight set, you can then replace the sash cord by feeding it through the hole. Then, you can push the sash onto the rails, then down into the windowbox, and then test 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 both cords. Make sure they're the same length, so that when you take one off the pin, it will slide through the sash and then rest at the pulley, allowing the sash function normally. Once the sash is re-hung it is then possible to re-attach the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Glass that is damaged
A stray baseball, a broom handle, or a pebble thrown by the lawnmowers are usually enough to break a window pane. Glass that has been broken can let water, snow, rain and insects to enter the home. In certain cases the resultant damage could require a complete replacement of the window. Installing new windows is expensive and time-consuming home improvement task. In most instances replacing individual damaged window panes is a more feasible option and is also less costly.
It is important to inspect the sash that is in use prior to making any attempt to replace the glass. This is a fantastic opportunity to find any hidden areas where the wood is beginning to rot, or areas where glue, weather stripping and hardware have deteriorated. This test will save you time and money in the near future.
After removing the glass it's recommended to have the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. To make it, mix equal parts mineral spirits and Linseed oil. Apply the mixture with a putty blade on the surface of sash, and let it dry completely. This will ensure that the glass and sash will remain waterproof and long-lasting 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. It's a vertical piece of wood that is located over the stiles of the window frame. The stop is typically held in place with a small pry bar, which is atop a stiff-bladed knife. After the stop has been removed, it's possible to split the stiles and rails with an easy-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to prevent damaging the shape of the sash. The next step is to take out the muntins. These are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that divide each pane of glass inside a sash.
It's simple to replace damaged glass after the muntins are removed. Insert the metal tabs of each new pane into the slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in the right place.