Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be severely damaged from age and neglect. While cosmetic damage would likely need to be repaired but functional issues in a window, such as rattles and draughts suggest that sash window repair is in order.
Steam the sash first to loosen it. Then, remove the wood pegs using pin punches and hammers. Make sure to mark and identify all parts to ensure they can later be replaced correctly.
Broken or Rotten Wood
If not taken care of, rotting wood will begin to degrade brickwork and damage the plaster around the window. It's important to know this issue can be fixed without replacing the window.
The first thing that needs to be done is to ensure that the wood in the issue is dry. Examine the colour and grain of the wood to see if it's damp-free. If the wood appears to be soft and brown it's likely that rot has already occurred. Make sure that the sash's place is secured by a few wood spliced sections and that they are not damp.
Another common issue is moisture trapped in the corners of frames for sash. This can 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. Once the sash channel is clear of any debris it is able to be primed to avoid any damp issues.
It's also important to examine the wood used to construct the window frame. It's best to use wood that is similar in grain and colour to the existing pieces of wood or else it will be difficult to blend the joins together. It is also worth using a preservative on the wood, since this will help keep it in better shape and avoid rot.
If the wood in your sash windows are damaged and rotten it's a good idea to think about replacing it completely. It's important that you choose windows that are with the same style as your windows in order to ensure that they appear as nice once they are installed. Selecting UPVC instead of timber for example, could potentially decrease the value of your property as prospective buyers may think that you've gone against the traditional design style.
Faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is made to glide smoothly, but wood rot and other issues can affect its performance. Additionally, a poorly functioning window can lead to drafts and loss of energy efficiency in the home. The longer you do not keep a sash-window in a secure location, it will wear out faster. This can reduce its lifespan dramatically and may cause water or moisture infiltration.
If a sash window doesn't seem to be functioning properly it can be a frustrating experience and difficult to determine the source of the problem. In many cases, replacing the sash can be the solution. If the issue is due to rotting timber, a misalignment or imbalance of the sash or broken glass replacing one or both windows may help solve the issue.
Replacing just one sash of a window can be less expensive than replacing the frame and glass. It's also a less complicated task than installing new windows with double-hung frames, which require a larger number of trims and parts to be removed. If you are looking to replace a sash inside your home, a good place to start is by visually inspecting the existing window and frame. You may notice gaps and misalignments that can cause the sash to tilt and prevent it from remaining upright.
In most cases, it's possible to fix double-hung sashes by removing the trim and working from the inside of the frame. It is best to first remove the interior sash stop which creates a track in the window at the bottom. Spray the water hose on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, you can pry the stop out with a utility blade. After that, using a sharp blade you can trim off any nails protruding through the back of the stop's interior.
If your home doesn't have one, you can create an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangular cut in the jamb liners made of vinyl to the height of the stile for the sash. If yours does not have one, you can make an opening by cutting a rectangle from the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.
Faulty Sash Weights
The two weights that pull the sash upwards and down may be separated from each other as time passes, resulting in the sash becoming jammed, or stuck in an open position. This is usually caused by worn or broken cords for sash that need to be replaced.
During this repair job, it's important to spread dust sheets as possible to prevent any debris or dirt from getting into your furniture or carpet. This is especially crucial if you intend to lift and move the window while working, to avoid damaging any part of your home.
When the sash is completely free Begin by carefully taking off the staff bead on the opposite side of the window frame with a small, wide chisel. You will see a groove that runs down each side of sash and finishes with a hole for the new sashcord. Be sure to get rid of any knots on the old cord that are nailed or screwed into the hole.
Begin by replacing the top sash cord. To accomplish this, gently lower the sash up until it reaches the bottom sill and support it with a wedge on both sides of the frame, or it could fall to the floor and break the glass - something you'll need to avoid!
Then, remove the access panel from the frame to access the sash cord as well as the weight. Once you have the weight in hand take the dado off the edge of the wood and then insert an anchor nail to hold it. Make sure the nail is long enough to reach the pocket of the sash, otherwise it will not fit.
Once you have the weight in place, you can then replace the sash cord by feeding it through the hole. Then push the sash up onto the rails, and down into the window box. test the way it opens and closes, and then apply more lubrication the rails if needed (we recommend candle wax for wood or silicone spray for vinyl).
Replace both cords. Make sure that they're the same length so that when you take one off the pin, it will be pushed through the sash, and then rest at the pulley, allowing the sash function normally. After the sash has been re-hung, you can then reattach the stop beads and your sash will be complete!
Glass that is damaged
A broom, a baseball or a stone put out by a lawnmower can be enough to break the glass. Broken windows allow water, snow, rain, and insects to enter the home. In some cases the resultant damage could require a complete replacement of the window. However, replacing windows can be a major expense home improvement project. In the majority of cases, replacing damaged window panes is a much more manageable and less costly option.
It is essential to examine the existing sash thoroughly before attempting to replace the glass. This is a great opportunity to find any hidden areas in which the wood has begun to decay, or where old weather stripping, glue and hardware have deteriorated. This will save you time and money in the future.
After removing the glass, it is recommended to have the wood coated with a homemade wood preserver. Mix equal parts mineral spirits and linseed to create the wood preservative. Apply the mixture with a putty blade on the surface of sash, and let it completely dry. This will help to ensure that the glass and sash will remain resistant to water and will last for a long time.
If the sash is in good condition, you can fix it without having to remove the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop, which is a vertical piece of wood that is located above the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is held in place by a small pry-bar over the putty blade, which is a sharp blade. After you have removed the stop, you can separate the stiles and rails using a woodworking hammer or soft-faced hammer. This will avoid damaging the profile. The next step is to take off the muntins which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that separate the individual panes of glass in a shash.
After the muntins are removed, it's easy to replace the glass that has been broken. Insert the metal tabs of each new pane into their slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in the right place.