Sash Window Repair: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Sash Window Repair
Regular maintenance is necessary for old weighted sash window. This includes cleaning, lubricating and replacing hardware. It also includes adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes to lessen the rattling.
Utilize a utility knife to cut off any paint that is covering the window facing. Then, carefully take off the window face and trim it to expose the sash assembly.
Cracked Sash or Frame
It's the time to replace your sash window if find that they aren't sliding up and down as smoothly. It's important to repair damaged sash windows as quickly as you can. This will help prevent draughts or condensation. The most common problem with old sash windows is that they've been worn down over time, but you can take a number of steps to restore them back to their former glory.
If you spot any of these issues then sand and repaint the area to be in line with the rest of the window frame. If you spot any of these problems then sand and paint the area to ensure it matches the rest of the frame of the window. You can also replace the entire window, which is usually the best option when the sash you have is damaged.
The sash can be closed and opened multiple times to let it free if it is stuck or getting sagging. This should help loosen any paint stuck and will free the sash. If the sash is stuck after several attempts trying, try using a hairdryer set at low temperature to warm the sash's frame and mold to soften any putty. After the sash has been freed, use a utility knife or even better a tool that appears like a spatula made of metal known as the window saw (available at paint and hardware stores for around $10).
The next step is to separate the glass from the sashes. If you are lucky, this strip may be secured with one or two screws or nails across the length of the molding. If not, you'll have to cut off the strip with a chisel starting at the sill and moving it upwards towards the jamb.
Once you've removed your strip that was used for the parting, it is important to put it back in the proper place. If window repair , the groove is sufficient for an additional strip to slide in and be held in with a few wood nails. If the groove is too narrow, you'll need to sand it and create a new strip of the proper width.
Stuck Sash or Frame
When a sash window can be closed and opened easily, but it becomes stuck at a point and stops working, it's a sign that the frame and sash may require to be re-glued. As time passes, the glue begins to degrade, and cycles of contraction and expansion occur due to changes in humidity or rot could begin to take hold. Re-gluing these joints is a straightforward job and is done without removing the window.
Before you begin re-gluing the joints, make sure you thoroughly inspect the entire frame. Make sure all the seams are intact and free of cracking or leaks. If the wood has begun to rot, it should be removed and chemically stripped. Once the repairs have been completed, the timber must be sanded prior to applying the new stain.
If the sash appears to be stuck in the bottom, start by looking for a snapped sash cord. If the cord has snapped or twisted, it may have gotten inside the frame and become stuck. This can cause the window to feel heavier when opening and closing. To correct this, cut the cord as close to the sash as is possible (it's a good idea to get a friend to help) and pull it down to let the sash out.
Utilize a scraper to take the remaining paint from both sides of the sash frame. You should take it slow, as you don't want to break the glass or damage the mortise and tenon joints. After the paint is removed and the wood is dry, apply wood hardener to the frame and the sash. This product will strengthen the wood and stop it from further rotting.
If you discover that there is a gap between the sash and frame, you can insert a wide putty blade (not a screwscrewdriver) and gently work it up and down the side. You may have to tap the handle with a hammer in order to move it.
Alternately, you can put a block of wood in the channel just below or above the sash. Use a hammer to tap it in order to wedge the sash. If you're located above a walkway, make sure no-one is walking under the window.
Leaking Sash or Frame
If water leaks around the window, it's more than just annoying and uninspiring but it can also cause serious damage to the structure and encourage the growth of dangerous mold. The good part is that a leaky window can usually be fixed without replacing the window itself, provided you know what to look for.
Look for damp wood in the frame and sash, as well as on the outside walls near the window, particularly in the corners. Contact a professional if you see water stains or moisture on the ceiling or wall around the window or rotting wood at the sill. If the moisture seems to be coming from outside the issue is most likely due to a blocked drainage hole or flashing that has been installed improperly or not installed at all.
A failure of the gasket between the two panes could cause leaks in the interior of double-paned windows. It is crucial to test regularly the integrity of the seal on windows with a gasket between the two panes. A simple tool, that appears like a pen or pencil with a pointed tip, can be used to test the seal. Push the end of the tool between the frame and the window to check if it's 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 put stress on and shear sealants for glazing, which allows air to pass between the frame and sash. This can be fixed in some instances by resealing using silicone caulk, or expanding foam tape.
Examine the hinges of your casement or awning window to make sure they aren't leaky and tight. Also, if you have unfinished wood in the interior of the frame, near the edges or sash, it is essential to paint the area with a latex caulk in order to stop air infiltration.
Frame or Sash that is damaged
A damaged frame or sash is an indication that it's the right time to fix the issue. Often this involves replacing the damaged part with a new piece wood. A carpenter who is familiar with windows made of sash will be able to do this without needing to replace the whole window. They'll also be able to include modern features such as double glazing and sound reduction glass.
These repairs can often make the window more efficient and last longer. The wooden sash window frames expand and contract as a result of changes in humidity. A tight seal on the window is essential to ensure it operates correctly.
It is common for sash windows to be difficult to open or close. Sash windows should be able to open and close without much effort. If yours feel stiff or require a lot of force, it could mean that the sash isn't seated properly in the frame.
This can be caused by various factors such as poor installation or simply age and wear. Make sure the sash has been seated correctly by looking from the outside and then poking it with your finger. If the wood is brittle or has holes in it, then it's likely to be decaying. It's going to need to be replaced.
If the sash is attractive it is likely the pocket is not secure. The sash pockets are usually an ideal fit, however over time, they may be sealed with paint or pinned in place by screws or nails. A sharp knife can be used to slice along any joints in the paint and then gently pull the pocket out.
After removing the sash, remove the cords of the sash and lower the weights if necessary. Replace the sash horns, parting beads, sash pulleys, and cords. Once everything is back in place, use a decorators caulk to close around the staff bead and box to minimize draughts, and enhance the appearance of your newly restored sash.