Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be severely damaged by neglect and age. While cosmetic damage would likely need to be repaired however, functional issues with a window such as draughts and rattles indicate the window's repair is required.
Steam the sash 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 later be replaced correctly.
Broken or Rotten Timber
If left unattended, rotting wood can cause damage to the brickwork around the window and also damage the plaster. It's important to know that this problem can often be corrected without replacing the window.
local window repair that needs to be done is to make sure that the timber in the question is dry. Check the color and grain of the wood to determine if it's damp-free. If the wood is brittle and brown, it means that it's very likely rot has already begun to develop. It's also worth checking if the sash is being held in place by a variety of spliced timber sections, and that they are solid and not affected by damp.
Another issue that is common is the accumulation of moisture in the corners of the sash frames. This can cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. The solution is to clean the sash channels and remove any obstruction with a sharp wood chisel. Once the sash channels are free of obstructions and dirt, they can be primed to prevent future problems with damp.
It's also worth examining the timber that is used to create the window frame. It is recommended to choose wood that is similar in grain pattern and color to the wood pieces that are already in use otherwise it could be difficult to blend together the joins. It is also possible to think about using a wood preservative, which can help keep the wood in good condition and prevent rot.
If the timber of your sash window is severely damaged and rotten it may be wise for you to replace it entirely. It is essential to select a replacement window in the same style of the windows you have in place to ensure that they look as good once installed. The choice of UPVC instead of timber, for example, could potentially lower the value of your home since potential buyers might believe that you've gone against the traditional design style.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is made to move smoothly, however wood rot and other issues can impact its function. In addition the window's performance is not optimal. It can lead to drafts and the loss of energy efficiency in the home. The longer a sash window is left unattended, the more wear and tear it will endure. This could reduce its lifespan significantly, and it could also cause water or moisture infiltration.
It can be difficult to try and determine the root of a sash-window issue. The good news is that in many situations, a replacement of the sash may be the answer. Replace one or both of the windows if the issue is caused by decaying wood, misalignment or an imbalance.
Replacing a single window sash is less expensive than replacing both the frame and the glass. It is also an easier task than installing a new double hung window, which requires the removal of a larger amount of trim and parts. If you are looking to replace a sash in your home, a good place to begin is by visually looking at the window and frame. You may notice gaps and misalignments that can cause the sash to tilt, and stop it from remaining up.
In the majority of cases, it is possible to repair a double-hung sash by removing the trim and work from the inside. First, you should take out the sash stops in the interior, which create a track on the side of the window that is on the bottom. Spray a hose of water on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, pry the stop away using the help of a utility knife. Then, using a razor blade to cut off any nails protruding through the back of the interior stop.
If your home doesn't have one you can make a new access hole 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 access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangle in the vinyl jamb liners to the height of the sash stile.
Sash that isn't working properly weighs
The two weights that pull the sash up and down may become disconnected from one another over time, leading to the sash becoming jammed, or stuck in an open position. This is typically caused by broken or worn cords that pull the sash, which must be replaced.
When you are working on this repair it is essential to lay dust sheets wherever you can to keep any debris or dirt from getting into your furniture or carpet. This is important, especially in the event that you intend to lift or move the window while working.
Once the sash is untied, start by carefully removing the staff bead on the opposite side of the window frame with an extremely thin chisel. You will see a groove that runs down the sash's side and finishes with a hole for the new sashcord. Remove any knots on the old cord stuck or glued into the hole.
Begin by replacing the top sash cord. To do this, gently lower the sash until it hits the bottom sill. Support it with a wedge on both sides of the frame. Otherwise, it could fall to the floor and break the glass - a problem you definitely would prefer not to have!
Then, you can remove the access panel from the frame to retrieve the sash cord and sash weight. Once you have the weight in your hand remove the dado off the edge of the wood and insert a nail to secure it. Use a nail long enough to reach the sash's pocket, otherwise it will not fit.
Once you have the weight in place after which you can replace the sash cord by feeding it through the hole. Then push the sash up onto the rails and down into the window box. check whether it opens and closes, and then 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, make sure they are the same length as the old ones were, so when you release one from its pin it can fall freely through the sash to rest at the pulley, and then function normally. When the sash is again hung, you can then reattach the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Glass damaged
A stray ball or broom handle or a pebble thrown by the lawnmower are often enough to smash a window. Broken windows allow rain, snow, and insects to enter the home. In some instances, the damage caused by glass that has shattering might require a complete window replacement. However, replacing windows can be a major, costly home improvement project. In most cases replacing broken window panes is a more manageable option and far cheaper.
It is essential to examine the existing sash thoroughly before making any attempt to replace the glass. This will allow you to discover any previously unnoticed areas where the wood is starting 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 the glass has been removed it's recommended to give the wood a good coat of homemade wood preservative. Mix equal amounts of mineral spirit and linseed to create the wood preservative. Apply the mixture using a putty knife to the surface of sash, and let it dry completely. This will ensure that the glass and sash will remain resistant to water and will last for a long time.
If the sash is in good working order it is possible to repair it without taking off the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop, which is a vertical piece of wood located above the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is held in place by a tiny pry-bar positioned over an apex blade that is fitted with an incredibly stiff blade. Once the stop is removed, it's possible to split the stiles and rails using an easy-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to avoid damaging the profile of the sash. The next step is removing the muntins. They are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that separate the glass panes within a sash.
It's easy to replace broken glass once the muntins have been removed. Use glazing compound to hold the tabs made of metal into their slots on the sash.