Sash Window Repair
Old sash windows with weighted sash windows require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning and lubricating hardware replacing ropes, and adding brush pile strips to reduce drafts and rattling.
Make use of a utility knife to cut off any paint that is securing the window's front. Remove the trim and the face to expose the sash assembly.
Cracked Sash and Frame
It may be time to repair your sash window when you notice that it isn't sliding up and down as smoothly. It is essential to fix a cracked sash as soon as you can. This will help prevent draughts or condensation. The most common problem with old sash windows is that they've simply become worn out over time However, you can take a few steps to restore them back to their former glory.
Examine the window as well as the frame for indications of damage, such as rot or mold. If you discover any of these problems then sand the area and repaint it to be in line with the rest of the frame. You could also replace the entire window if the old sash has been damaged.
If the sash is sliding or is stuck in certain areas, it can usually be freed by opening and closing it several times. This will break up any paint that is stuck to the sash, and will assist in moving it. If the sash remains stuck after multiple attempts, use a hairdryer on low heat to warm the sash and molding to soften the putty. Once the sash is unbound you can use a utility knife or a special tool that looks like a serrated metal spatula called the window saw (available at paint and hardware stores for about $10).
The next step is to remove the glass from the sashes. If you are lucky, this strip may be secured with one or two nails or screws along the length of the molding. If not, take off the strip of separation using the chisel. Start at the sill.
After you've removed the strip that was strip that was used for the parting, it is important to install it correctly. If you're lucky, the groove will be large enough for a new strip to slide into place and will be held in place with some wood nails. If the groove is too narrow, you'll need to sand it and add a strip that is the right size.
Sash or Frame Stuck
If a sash window opens and closes easily but gets stuck at one point and stops working It's a sign the frame and sash might need to be re-glued. Over time, old glue degrades, cycles of contraction and expansion occur due to fluctuations in humidity, or rot may begin to develop. Re-gluing joints is a simple job that can be done without the need to remove the window.
Before you begin to re-glue the joints, make sure you thoroughly inspect the entire frame. Make sure that all seams are intact, and there are no leaks or cracks. If the wood has begun to rot, it should be removed and chemically stripped. After repairs are completed The wood should be sanded before re-staining.
If the sash appears to be stuck in the bottom, start looking for a snapped sash cable. If the cord is broken or twisted, it may have gotten inside the frame and become stuck. This can cause the window to feel heavier upon opening and closing. To remedy this issue, cut the cord as close to the sash as possible (it's a good idea to have a partner assist) and pull it back to unwind the sash.
Utilize a scraper to take the remaining paint from both sides of the sash frame. It is important to do this gently in order not to break the glass or damage the mortise or tenon joints. After the majority of the paint is gone, apply a wood hardener to the frame and the sash. This product will help strengthen the timber and stop it from further rotting.
If you find an opening where the sash meets the frame, carefully insert a wide knife (not a screwdriver) into the gap and then move it up and down one side before moving to the other. It is possible to tap the knife's handle with a hammer to coax it in.
You can also put an additional block either below or above the sash. Use a hammer to tap it in order to wedge the sash. If you're on a pathway ensure that no one is walking through the window.
Leaking Sash Frame
If water leaks from a window, it's not only annoying and inconvenient however, it could cause serious damage to the structure and also encourage the growth of dangerous mold. The good news is that a leaking window can usually be repaired without having to replace the window itself, provided you know what to look for.
Look for damp wood inside the frame, sash and on the exterior walls around the window, particularly in the corners. If you spot water stains, moisture in the wall or ceiling near the window, or decaying wood on the sill, it's time to contact an expert. If the moisture appears to be coming from the outside the issue is most likely due to a blocked drainage hole or flashing that's been installed incorrectly or not properly.
Leaks on the inside of a double-pane windows could be the result of a malfunction of the gasket that seals between the two glass panes. It is essential to check the integrity regularly of the seal on a window that has a gasket in between the two panes. A simple tool that looks like a large pencil or pen with a pointed tip, can be used to test the seal. Use the tool's tip to push between the frame and the window to check if they are loose or tight.
Vinyl frames are vulnerable to air infiltration due to the fact that PVC expands and contracts at a rate seven times higher than glass. This motion can cause stress on and shear sealants for glazing, permitting air to flow between the sash and frame. This can be fixed in some cases by resealing using silicone caulk or expanding foam tape.
Examine the hinges of your awning or casement window to ensure that they are not leaky and are secure. If you also have bare wood on the interior of the window frame near the edges or sash, it's essential to paint the area with a latex caulk in order to stop air infiltration.
Damaged Sash and Frame
A damaged frame or sash is an indication that it's the right time to repair the problem. In most cases it's about replacing the damaged area with a new piece of timber. A carpenter who has experience in repairing sash windows will be able to do this without the need to replace the entire window. They'll also be able incorporate modern features, such as double glazing and sound reduction glass.
In most cases, these repairs aid the window in performing better and last longer. The wood used in sash windows will naturally swell and shrink with changing doors repair humidity, so sealing the window is crucial to ensure that the window functions effectively.
It is typical for sash windows to be difficult to open or close. Sash windows are designed to slide open and closed with very little effort, so if yours appear stiff or require lots of effort to move, this is an indication that the sash isn't sitting properly in the frame.
This can be caused by many things, including poor installation or simply aging and wear. You can check whether the sash is set correctly by looking at it from the outside, as well as poking around it with your fingers. If the wood feels brittle or has holes, it's most likely decaying and should be replaced.
If the sash is attractive it is most likely that the pocket is not secure. Sash pockets are generally comfortable to wear, but over time, they may be sealed with paint or fixed with nails or screws. A sharp knife can be used to slice along any paint joints and gently pull the pocket out.
After removing the sash, take off the cords of the sash, and lower the weights if necessary. Replace the sash horns, sash parting beads, sash pulleys, and cords. Use decorators caulk around the staff bead, the box and sash pulleys, to seal and reduce draughts.