Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become seriously damaged over time. While double glazed window repair may require a replacement, functional problems with a window such as rattles and draughts could indicate that the repair of sash windows is in order.
Steam the sash to loosen it. Next remove the wood pegs using the help of a pin punch and hammer. Note and label all the components to ensure that they can later be replaced correctly.
Broken or Rotten Wood
If not taken care of, rotting wood can start to erode brickwork and damage the plaster around the window. It's good to know that this problem can often be corrected without replacing the window.
The first thing 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 appears soft and brown it's likely that rot is already present. It is also worth determining if the sash is being held in place by a series of spliced timber sections and that they are solid and not affected by damp.
Moisture trapped in the corners of sash frames is a common problem. If this is the case, it can cause sash to bind and become difficult to open. The solution is to clean the sash channels, and then remove any obstruction using a sharp wood chisel. When the sash channel is free of obstructions it can be primed in order to avoid any damp issues.
Finally, it's also worth looking into the wood used to make up the window frame. It is recommended to choose timber that has a similar color and grain pattern as the pieces of wood that are currently in use or else it will be difficult to blend the joins. It is also worth using a preservative on the wood, as it can help keep it in better shape and help prevent the possibility of rot.
If your sash window's timber is severely damaged and rotten it could be beneficial for you to replace it completely. It's important that you choose a replacement window with the same style as your existing windows to ensure that they will appear as nice once they are installed. The choice of UPVC instead of timber for example, could potentially decrease the value of your home because potential buyers might think that you have gone against the traditional design style.
Sash Hardware is 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 decrease in energy efficiency within the home. The longer a sash window remains unattended the more wear and tear it will endure. This could reduce its lifespan and cause water or moisture infiltration.
It can be difficult trying to figure out the cause of a sash window problem. The good news is, in many cases, a replacement sash could be the solution. Replace one or both windows if the issue is caused by decaying wood, misalignment, or imbalance.
Replacing a single window sash is less expensive than replacing both the frame and the glass. It's also a less complicated project than installing new double-hung windows which require a higher number of trims and parts to be removed. If you want to replace a sash within your home, a good way to start is by visually inspecting the existing window and frame. You might notice gaps or issues that could cause the sash to tilt, and stop it from remaining upright.
In the majority of cases, it is possible to repair a double-hung window if you remove the trim and work from the inside. You should first remove the sash stop inside the frame that creates a track within the window at the bottom. Spray a hose of water over the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, pry the stop off using a utility blade. Then, employ a razor blade to cut off any nail heads protruding from the back of the stop.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can look for a weight access panel, that's a knockout in the frame large enough to let the weight of a sash through. If yours doesn't have one, you can make an access hole by cutting a rectangle into the jamb liners made of vinyl to the size of the stile for the sash.
Sash that isn't working properly weighs
As time passes the two weights used to move the sash up or down can become disengaged. This could cause the sash to jam or get stuck in the open position. This is due to broken or worn-out sashcords that require to be replaced.
During this repair job, it's important to lay dust sheets wherever you can to keep any debris or dirt from getting into your furniture or carpet. This is especially important if you plan to lift and move the window while working to prevent damage to any part of your home.
When the sash is completely free begin by carefully removing the staff bead on the opposite side of the window frame with a small, wide chisel. There will be an elongated groove that runs along each side of sash and ends with a hole for the new sashcord. Be sure to take out any knots on the old cord that are screwed or nailed into the hole.
Start by replacing the top sash cord. To do this, gently lower the sash up until it is in contact with the bottom sill and support it with a thin 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, take off the access panel to the frame and then retrieve the sash cable and sashweight. Once you have the sash weight, remove the dado from the edge of wood and then insert the nail to secure it. Make sure to use an appropriate length nail to reach the sash pocket otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have the weight in place after which you can replace the sash cord by feeding it into the hole. Then, you can push the sash onto the rails, down into the windowbox, and then test how it opens/closes. If necessary, add more lubrication on the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl, or candle wax for wooden sashes).
Replace both cords. Make sure they're of the same length so that if you take one off the pin, it can be pushed through the sash, and rest on the pulley, which will allow the sash to 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 baseball, a broom 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 damage could require a complete replacement of the window. However, installing new windows can be a major expense home improvement project. In most cases replacing individual damaged window panes is a more manageable option and far less costly.
It is crucial to check the sash that is in use prior to making any attempt to replace the glass. This is an opportunity to identify any previously hidden spots in which the wood is beginning to decay or where old glue, weather stripping and other hardware have deteriorated. This will save you time and money in the near future.
After removing the glass, it is an ideal idea to have the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. To make it mix equal parts of mineral spirits and linseed oil. Apply the mix using a putty knife to the sash's surface and let it dry completely. This will ensure that your brand new glass and sash remains water-resistant and lasts for a long time.
If the sash is in good condition it is possible to repair it without taking off 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. This is usually fixed using a small bar that is placed over a stiff-bladed knife. After the stop has been removed, it is possible to separate the rail and stiles with a soft-faced mallet or woodworking hammer in order to avoid 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 within the shash.
After the muntins are removed, it's easy to replace the glass that has been broken. Insert the metal tabs from each new pane into their slots in the sash, and use glazing compound to secure them in the right place.