Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become severely damaged by neglect and age. While cosmetic damage would likely need to be repaired but functional issues with a window such as rattles and draughts suggest that sash window repair is in order.
Steam the sash to loosen it. Then, take off the wood pegs using pin punches and hammers. Make sure to mark and identify all parts to ensure that they can be replaced in the correct manner.
Wood that is broken or rotten
If left unattended, rotting wood can cause damage to the brickwork around the window and damage the plaster. It's important to know this issue is often corrected without replacing the window.
The first thing that needs to be taken care of is to ensure that the wood in the issue is dry. Look at the colour and grain of the wood to see if it's damp-free. If the wood appears soft and brown, it means that it's very likely that rot has already started to begun to develop. It is also worth determining if the sash is being held in place by a number of spliced timber sections, and that these are sound and not affected by damp.
Another common issue is the accumulation of moisture in the corners of sash frames. If this is the case, it could cause sash to bind and become difficult to open. The solution is to clean the sash channels and eliminate any obstruction with a chisel made of wood. Once the sash channels are clear of any debris they can be primed to avoid the possibility of future problems due to damp.
It's also important to examine the wood used in constructing the window frame. double glazed window repairs near me is recommended to use wood that has a similar grain pattern and colour to the existing wood pieces, otherwise it can be difficult to blend together the joins. It's also worth looking at applying a preservative to the wood, since it can help keep it in good condition and avoid the possibility of rot.
If the wood in your sash windows are severely damaged and rotten, it might be a good idea to think about replacing them completely. If you decide to replace it, it's important to choose an alternative that's of the same style that your windows are and to ensure that it will be as attractive once it's installed in your home. Choosing UPVC over timber for instance, can reduce the value of your home since prospective buyers might think you're going against the old style.
Insecure Sash Hardware
A sash window is made to move effortlessly, however often, wood rot and other issues can impact its function. Additionally the window's performance is not optimal. It 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 will endure. This can shorten its lifespan dramatically, and it could also result in water or moisture infiltration.
It can be frustrating to try and determine the cause of a sash-window problem. The good news is, in many instances, a replacement sash might be the solution. Replace one or both windows if the problem is due to rotting wood, misalignment, or an imbalance.
Replacing just one window sash is less expensive than replacing the frame and glass. It's also a much simpler project than installing new windows with double-hung frames, which require a larger number of trims and parts to be removed. You can start by looking at your current window and frame if you wish to replace the sash. There could be gaps or misalignments that can cause the sash tilt and hinder it from remaining up.
In most cases it is possible to repair a double-hung sash if you remove the trim and work from the inside. First, you should remove the sash stops inside that create tracks on the side of the window that is on the bottom. To do this, spray a hose with water and lightly mist the surface of the interior stop, then pry it out using a utility knife. You can then make use of a razor blade remove any nail heads protruding from the side of the stop.
If the home you live in doesn't have an access hole you can make an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangle in the jamb liners made of vinyl to the height of the stile for the sash. If your frame doesn't have one, you can make a new hole by cutting an elongated rectangle from the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.
Faulty Sash Weighs
The two weights that pull the sash up and down may become disconnected from each other in time, resulting in the sash becoming jammed, or stuck in an open position. This is typically caused by worn or broken cords that pull the sash, which must be replaced.
During this repair job it is essential to lay dust sheets wherever possible to prevent any dirt or debris from reaching your carpet or furniture. This is especially important in the event that you intend to lift and move the window during your work.
Once the sash is free, start by carefully removing the staff bead on the opposite side of the window frame with a thin wide chisel. There should be a groove running along each side of the sash, which eventually ends with a knot hole in which the new cord for the sash will be positioned. Take out any knots from the old cord that have been nailed or glued to the hole.
Start by replacing the top sash cord. To do this, lower the sash gently until it hits the bottom sill. It can be supported by the wood on either side of the frame. Otherwise it could fall on the floor, causing damage to the glass.
Then, take off the access panel from the frame and take the sashweight and sash cable. Once you have the weight in your hand remove the dado cut off the edge of the wood, and insert an anchor nail to secure it. Use a nail long enough to reach the sash's pocket as otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have placed the weight on the sash, you can replace the sash by feeding the cord into the hole. Then push the sash up onto the rails, and down into the window box, examine how it opens and closes and add more lubrication to the rails as needed (we recommend candle wax for wood or silicone spray for vinyl).
If you're replacing both cords, ensure they're the same length as the old ones were, so when you release one from its pin it can fall freely through the sash to rest at the pulley and operate normally. Once the sash is re-hung, you can then reattach the stop beads and your sash is complete!
Damaged Glass
A stray baseball or broom handle or an errant pebble thrown by a lawnmower are often enough to smash a window. Broken windows allow water, snow, rain, and insects to enter the home. In some cases the damage caused by shattered glass may require a complete replacement of windows. Installing new windows is expensive and time-consuming home improvement task. In most cases, replacing individual broken windows is a more manageable option and far less costly.
Before you attempt to install new glass, it is important to take the time to thoroughly inspect the existing sash. This is a great way to find any hidden areas in which the wood has begun to rot, or areas where glue, weather stripping and hardware have become damaged. This inspection will save you time and money in the near future.
After you have removed the glass, it's a good idea to have the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. To make it mix equal parts of mineral spirits and the oil of linseed. After mixing apply the mixture on the sash's surface with a putty blade and allow it to dry completely. This will ensure that the glass and sash are waterproof and long-lasting over time.
If the sash is in good condition, you can repair it without removing the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop. It's a horizontal wood piece located over the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is fixed by a small pry-bar over a putty blade with a sharp blade. After the stop has been removed, it's possible to split the stiles and rails by using an easy-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to prevent damaging the shape of the sash. The next step is to take off the muntins which are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that separate the individual panes of glass in a shash.
Once the muntins are removed, it's simple to replace the glass that has been broken. Insert the metal tabs from each new pane into the slots in the sash, and use glazing compound to secure them in place.