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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can add a stylish aesthetic to a home. They can become drafty and problematic as they get older. Sash window repair is a great option to improve the functionality of your windows while keeping the original beauty of your windows. The first step in sash window repair is to remove the “pocket covers”. These are pieces of wood, low down on the frame, that allow access to the weights. Sashes damaged by abrasions If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air, you'll need to do more than just repair the surface. You'll save money by doing an extensive repair, especially if your home is older and has low insulation. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to fix them: Stuck Issues It is difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit snugly into the frame. This could cause a rattling sound and let drafts enter your home. To fix this, use an utility knife to score and pry off the paint line from the inside side of your sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood. Then, you'll want to apply a sash oil that will allow it to move more smoothly. Broken Sash Cords In some cases, old double-hung sashes utilize metal or cotton cords to support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. Over time, the cords can break, rendering it difficult to raise or keep the sash in place. To fix this issue, follow these steps: Move the sash right and take it off the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash. Remove any nails that are sticking out from the end. With needle-nosed pliers, remove the nail and place it into the side channel. Incorporate the cord knot into the hole and secure it with the nail set. Install the beads on the staff and then put them back in the sash. Make sure to leave enough for the cords to ensure proper operation. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is an excellent way to prevent the risk of draughts. Apply a small amount between the bead box for staff. Once the sash and frame are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to allow it to work and not stick to your hands. Allow the putty to dry completely before installing the sash again and painting the frame. Broken sash cords Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use chains made of metal or cotton attached to the counterweights that support and keep the sashes in balance in the window jamb. As time passes, the cords could break, which stops the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to raise or lower the window. The sash cords can be replaced in less than an hour. Take off the staff bead, which separates the upper from lower sashes. You can remove the bead by using needle-nose pliers. A nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads, and then clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the groove of the sash. To open the window pull one of the cords that run through the sash. When you've pulled the cord as far as it will go then mark the cord with a pencil and cut it to length using a knife. After you've finished, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove on the sash. Also, secure it to the sash using the knot. If the sash is still too high to move, you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and eliminate the old cords. Once the sash is free it is necessary to remove the access panel in the sash channel in order to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will need to score the seams with either a hammer or chisel, to take off the panel without damaging it. Once you've removed your access panel, you'll be able to see the two cast-iron sash weights in each pocket. Take the weights off the back and front and then connect the sash cords to the weights using self-tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, you'll need to connect the sash weights again and reset the pulley mechanism so that it works correctly. Drafts Sash windows add a bit of historical charm to older homes, however, they also pose maintenance challenges. They can be difficult to open or close, rattle in the wind and let drafts in. These issues can be caused by swollen or painted wood or sash cords that are rotten. There are a number of simple and cost-effective solutions to address these issues and keep your sash window functioning effectively. The first step to repair an old sash window is to take it apart it. Take off the sash and frame, and make sure that all components are in good condition. Then, sand the wood to improve its appearance and stop drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash is stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. A new set of tilt-pins could enhance the window's performance. A sash window operates by counterbalancing the weight of the glass with the help of weights passed over the pulley system. The weights are typically cast iron and are accessed from an access panel or pocket cover that is located within the lining of the box of the window frame. To stop the weights from falling down, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure that they don't collide. It isn't easy to access these weights, since the sash's upper part can be sprayed shut and fixed with nails. However, if you're cautious and patient you can take off the sash by using bar clamps, reversed to break apart, allowing it out of the groove in the meeting rail. It may take a bit of jiggling and tapping to get it out however once you have removed it, make sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required. You can also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. Replacing the balance of a double-hung window is much easier than it seems and you can do it yourself with the appropriate tools and a replacement kit. Rotten sill Even the most well-maintained windows will eventually exhibit signs of decay. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it may be possible to restore it. If, however, it has spread through the frame and into the interior of the house and has caused structural damage it's probably time for a replacement. If you have a rotten sill, it is important to replace it before it causes damage to your window. The first step is to eliminate the old sill plate as well as studs. You may have to install temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After taking off the sill, clean any remaining paint on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new one and secure it to the studs. A stained sill is not just ugly, it can cause costly repairs in the future. It could, for instance cause the sash which is hard to spot, to shift. This can result in a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water to get into the wall, which could cause mold and other problems. Replacing a rotten sill isn't as difficult as it may sound. It is essential to maintain the window to avoid rot, therefore you should clean regularly the window tracks and sashes to keep them free from dirt and other debris. Also, you should apply a sealant that is protective to the window frames to shield them from moisture. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity levels in your home, which can prevent wooden sashes from expanding or sticking. Sash windows are usually plagued by sashes that have become stuck. To fix them, you can apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax to the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you can use a utility knife to slice through the paint layers and release the sashes. Reinstalling the parting beads is another way to fix a stuck sash. If the sash is still stuck, you can try making it draught-proof. box sash window involves placing a rubber strip in the spaces between the sash and frame, which reduces air flow and enhances the acoustic quality of your window.