Sash Window Repair
Older windows with weighted sash sash need regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, lubricating and reinstalling hardware. It also involves adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes to reduce the rattling.
To begin you need a utility knife to cut through any paint sealing the window facing. Remove the trim and the face to expose the sash assembly.
Cracked Sash or Frame
It may be the time to replace your sash window if you notice that they are not sliding up and down as effortlessly. It is essential to fix damaged sash windows as quickly as you can. This will prevent draughts or condensation. The most common problem with sash windows that are old is that they've simply worn down over time However, you can take a few steps to restore them to their former glory.
Examine the window and frame for indications of damage, such as rot or mold. If you spot any of these problems clean the area and repaint it to be in line with the frame. You can also replace the entire window if you notice that the sash has been damaged.
The sash can be opened and closed multiple times to let it free if it is stuck or getting sagging. This will loosen any paint stuck and will free the sash. If the sash is still stuck trying, try using a hairdryer set on low heat to heat the sash frame and molding to soften any putty. Once the sash is unbound then use a knife or even better a tool that appears like a metal spatula with serrated edges called a window saw (available at hardware and paint stores for about $10).
The next step is to separate the glass from the sashes. If you're lucky, there could only be one or two nails or screws securing the strip along the length of the molding. If not, you can remove the parting strip using a chisel. Start at the sill.
Once you've removed your strip that separates you, it's crucial to install it correctly. If you're lucky, the groove is sufficient for the new strip to slide in and be secured with some wood nails. If the groove is too narrow, you will need to sand down the groove and add a strip of the proper width.
Stuck Sash or Frame
If a sash-window opens and closes smoothly but becomes stuck at the point where it stops working, the sash or frame might require re-gluing. As time passes, the glue begins to degrade, and cycles of expansion and contraction occur due to changes in humidity or rot can set in. Re-gluing joints is a simple job that can be done without the need to remove the window.
Before you start to re-glue the joints, thoroughly inspect the entire frame. Make sure that all seams are in good condition and there aren't cracks or leaks. If the wood is beginning to decay, it must be removed and chemically stripped. After the repairs are completed, the timber must be sanded prior to re-staining.
If the sash appears be stuck at the bottom, begin by looking for a snapped sash cable. If the cord has snapped or twisted, it may have gotten inside the frame and become stuck. The window will be heavier to open and close. To correct this issue cut the cord close to the sash (a friend can assist you) and pull the cord back to let it go.
Utilize a scraper to take the remaining paint from both the sash frame. You should do this with care 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 sash. This product will strengthen the wood and prevent it from rotting further.
If you discover that there is a gap between the sash and frame, insert a wide putty blade (not a screwscrewdriver) and gently move it up and down the side. You may need to tap the handle with a hammer in order to move it.
You can also place blocks in the channel above or below the sash. Use a hammer to tap it in order to wedge the sash. If you're above a path, make sure that there is no one walking underneath the window.
Leaking Sash Frame
The water leaks around windows can be irritating and uncomfortable. They can also cause serious structural damage and promote the growth of mould that is dangerous. The good news is that a leaking window usually can be repaired without having to replace the window, provided you know what to look for.
Look for damp wood in the frame, sash, or on the exterior wall next to the window. Pay attention to the corners. Contact a professional if you see water stains or moisture on the ceiling or wall around the window, or decaying wood on the sill. If the water is emanating from outside, it's most likely because of a clogged drainage hole, or because flashing isn't installed correctly or is missing completely.
Leaks on the inside of a double-pane window can result from a failure of the gasket that seals between the two glass panes. If you own a newer window with a gasket between the two panes, it is important to test the integrity of the seal frequently to ensure that it is functioning properly. A simple tool, that appears like an enormous pencil or pen with a pointed end can be used to test the seal. Then, push the end of the tool between the window and the frame to check if it's tight or loose.
Vinyl frames are vulnerable to air infiltration since PVC expands and contract at a rate seven times greater than glass. This movement can cause stress on and shear glazing sealants allowing air to move in between the frame and sash. This can be fixed in certain cases by resealing with silicone caulk, or expanding foam tape.
Check the hinges on your casement or awning window to make sure they aren't leaky and tight. If you also have exposed wood on the inside of the frame, near the edges or sash, it's important to paint this area with a caulk made of latex to prevent air infiltration.
Damaged Sash and Frame
A damaged sash or frame 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 with experience with windows with sash can do this without the need to replace the entire window. They'll also be able to add modern features like double glazing and sound reduction glass.
These repairs can often make the window more efficient and last longer. The wood in sash windows naturally expands and shrink as humidity changes, so maintaining a tight seal is important to keep the window functioning effectively.
One of the most common signs that your sash windows need a repair is when they're difficult to open and close. Sash windows should slide open and window repairman close with little effort. If yours are stiff, or require a great deal of force, it could mean that the sash isn't sitting correctly in the frame.
It could be due to a number of reasons, including inadequate installation and old age. Verify that the sash been properly seated by looking from the outside and then poking it with your finger. If the wood is soft or has holes, it's probably getting rotten and needs to be replaced.
If the sash appears to be in good condition, it is likely that the pocket is not secure. Sash pockets are generally an ideal fit, however in time, they can be sealed with paint or secured with nails or screws. You can employ a sharp knife cut along any paint joints and then gently pull the pocket open.
When the sash is taken off and the cords are removed, take them off and lower the weights (if necessary). Replace the sash horns and horns, the parting beads, sash pulleys, and cords. Use caulk for decoration around the staff bead, box and sash pulleys to seal and minimize the chance of draughts.