Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be severely damaged due to neglect and age. Cosmetic damage may require a replacement. However, functional issues like rattles or draughts are indicators that a sash window requires to be repaired.
Steam the sash to loosen it. Remove the wood pegs with pin punch and hammer. Identify and mark all components to ensure that they can be re-used correctly in the future.
Wood that is damaged or broken
The wood that is not properly treated can damage the brickwork around windows and damage plaster. It's good to know that this issue can be fixed without replacing the window.
First, ensure that the wood is dry. Look at the colour and grain of the wood to see whether it's damp-free. If the wood appears soft and brown, this means that it's very likely rot has already started to take hold. Check if the sash's position is supported by a variety of spliced sections of timber and that they aren't damp.
Moisture trapped in the corners of sash frames is another common problem. 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 have been cleaned free of obstructions and dirt, they can be primed to avoid any future issues with damp.
It's also worth looking at the wood used to construct the window frame. It is best to select timber that is the same colour and grain pattern to the pieces of wood that are currently in use or else it will be difficult to join the joins. It is also worth using a preservative on the timber, as this will help keep it in better condition and prevent rot.
If your sash window timber is severely damaged and rotten, it might be advisable for you to replace it entirely. If you choose to replace them then it is important to select an alternative that's of the same style as the windows you have and to ensure that it will be as attractive once it's installed in your home. Choosing UPVC over timber for instance, can lower the value of your home as potential buyers may think you're going against the old design.
Faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is made to glide effortlessly, but often wood rot and other problems can affect its functionality. Additionally an unfunctioning window can cause drafts and decrease in energy efficiency within the home. The longer a sash window remains unattended and unattended, the more wear and tear it is likely to experience. This can shorten its lifespan significantly and may result in 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. The good news is, in many instances, a replacement sash may be the answer. Replace one or both of the windows if the problem is due to rotting wood, misalignment, or imbalance.
Replacing a single window sash is less expensive than replacing both the frame and the glass. It is also simpler than installing a new double-hung window that requires the removal of a larger amount of trim and components. Start by looking at your current window and frame if you want to replace the sash. There could be gaps or misalignments that could cause the sash to tilt and prevent it from remaining up.
In most cases, it's possible to repair a double-hung sash if you remove the trim and work from the inside. First, you should take out the sash stops in the interior that create an internal track that runs along the inside of the bottom window. To do this, spray a hose with water and lightly mist the paint inside the stop, then pull it off with a utility knife. Then, use a razor blade to remove any nail heads sticking out of the back of the stop.
If yours doesn't have one you can make an access hole by cutting a rectangle in the vinyl jamb liners to the height of the sash stile. If your frame doesn't have one, you can create an additional hole by cutting a rectangle from the jamb liner of vinyl to the height of the stile.
A faulty Sash Weighs
Over time, the two weights that move the sash up or down may become disconnected. This could cause the sash to become jammed or get stuck in an open position. This is typically due to damaged or worn-out sash cords which need to be replaced.
When you are working on this repair, it's important to spread dust sheets as you can to keep any dirt or debris from reaching your furniture or carpet. This is especially important in the event that you intend to lift or move the window while working.
Once the sash is untied begin by carefully removing the staff bead on the opposite side of the window frame using an extremely thin chisel. You will notice a groove running down each side of the sash, which eventually ends with an opening for knots in which the new cord for the sash will be put. Be repairing upvc windows to take out any knots in the old cord that are screwed or nailed into the hole.
Begin by replacing the top sash cord. To do this, lower the sash gently until it hits the bottom sill. Hold it up with a thin piece of wood on either side of the frame. Otherwise it could fall to the floor, causing damage to the glass.
Then, remove the access panel from the frame to access the sash cord and sash weight. Once you have the sash weight removed, remove the dado from the wood's edge and then insert the nail to secure it. Make sure you choose a nail that's long enough to reach the sash pocket, otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have placed the weight after you have placed the weight, you can replace your sash by putting the cord through the hole. Then, push the sash upwards onto the rails and down into the window box, check whether it opens and closes, and then add more lubrication to the rails if needed (we recommend candle wax for wood or silicone spray for vinyl).
If you're replacing both cords ensure they're exactly the same length as the old ones, so when you release one from its pin it will slide down the sash until it lands on the pulley, and then function normally. Once the sash is re-hung you can then reconnect the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Glass damaged
A stray ball, a broom handle, or an object thrown by the lawnmowers are usually enough to smash a window. The glass that has been broken allows water, snow, rain, and insects to enter the home. In some instances, the damage caused by glass that has shattering could require a complete window replacement. Installing new windows is expensive and time-consuming home improvement task. In the majority of cases, replacing damaged window panes can be an easier and less costly option.
Before attempting to install new glass, it's important to make sure you thoroughly inspect the existing sash. This is a great way to identify any areas where the wood has begun to decay, or where the weather stripping, glue and hardware have degraded. This test will save you time and money in the near future.
After removing the glass it is an ideal idea to get the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. Mix equal parts mineral spirit and linseed in order to make the wood preservative. Apply the mix using a putty knife to the surface of sash and let it completely dry. This will ensure that the glass and sash are waterproof and long-lasting over time.
If the sash is in good working order it is possible to repair it without having to remove the glass. The first step is to take off the window stop. It's a vertical wood piece that is situated above the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is fixed by a tiny pry-bar positioned over an apex blade that is fitted with a sharp blade. Once the stop is removed, it is possible to split the stiles and rails using a soft-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to avoid damaging the shape of the sash. The next step is to eliminate the muntins which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that make up the individual panes of glass in the sash.
It's easy to replace broken glass once the muntins are removed. Use glazing compound to fix the metal tabs in their slots on the sash.