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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch class to any home. Nevertheless, they can be drafty and uncomfortable because of wear and age. Repairing sash windows is a great way to improve the functionality of your windows while keeping the original look of your windows. The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove the “pocket covers”. These are bits of wood, tucked away on the frame, which allow access to the weights. Damaged sashes If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air, you'll need to go beyond patch the surface. A more thorough repair can save you money in the long run, especially when you live in an older house that has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues that sash windows face and the way to fix them: Sticking Issues It will be difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit snugly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts into your home. To resolve this, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the inside side of the sash and remove it. Be careful not to harm the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash lubricant, which will allow it to move smoothly. Broken Sash Cords In some cases, old double-hung sashes use either metal or cotton cords to support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, the cords can break, rendering it impossible to lift or keep the sash up. Follow these steps to repair it: Remove the frame sash and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Cut the cord in the middle of the sash. Remove any nails sticking out of the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and then insert it into the side channel. Insert the knot of the the hole and secure it using a nail set. Re-install the sash and install the staff beads. Make sure you leave enough slack on the cords to ensure the proper operation. Reinstall the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a great way to prevent draughts. Apply a small amount between the bead boxes for staff. After the frame and sash are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is made with linseed and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty pliable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling sash or painting the frame. Broken sash cords Old double-hung (two sashes) windows use cords of cotton or chains of metal that are attached to counterweights that support and keep the sashes level in the window jamb. As time passes, the chains can break which prevents the sashes from opening or closing and makes it difficult to lower or raise the window. Replacing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these problems within less than a half hour. Begin by removing your staff bead that separates the lower and upper sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot and then into the sash's casing to secure the bead in place but you should be capable of removing it using needle-nose pliers. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads and then clean the caulk and old cord residue and paint around the groove of the sash. To open the windows, pull one of the cords through the sash. When you've pulled it as far as it can be, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it into length with a utility knife. When you finish making sure that the new cord matches with the groove in the sash and is connected to the frame with a 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 has been freed, you will need to remove the access panels within the sash channels, exposing the counterweights and pulley system. If the window has been painted, you'll have to cut the seams with a hammer or chisel to take off the panel without damaging it. After you've removed the access panel, you'll see the two cast-iron sash weights in each pocket. Take the weights off the back and front and then tie the sash cords to the weights with a self tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, you'll need to reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley mechanism to ensure that it is working correctly. Drafts Sash windows add a bit of the past to older homes but they also pose maintenance challenges. They can be difficult or even impossible to open and close and can be noisy in the wind, and letting drafts in. These issues are usually caused by swollen wood paint buildup, sash cords that have become rotted. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective ways to fix these issues and keep your windows operating effectively. The first step in repairing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash and the frame and ensure that all components are in good shape. Next, sand down the wood to improve its appearance and to prevent draughts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still sticking, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers to release it. A new set of tilt pins can enhance the window's performance. A sash window operates by counterbalancing the weight of the glass with the help of weights that are pushed through the pulley system. These weights, which are typically made of cast iron are accessible via an access panel or pocket in the inner lining of the box. To stop the weights from falling down, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure that they don't collide. Accessing these weights can be difficult, since the upper sash has been painted shut and is nailed into place. If you are diligent and cautious, you can take the sash off with a pair of bar clamps that are spread apart. It might take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it free, but once you have it out, be sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with a 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 sash is much easier than it is, and you can do it yourself with the right tools and a replacement kit. Rotten sill In time, the old timbers will deteriorate and even the best-maintained sash windows will start to show signs of decay. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it may be possible to repair the window. If the rot has gotten into the frame and into the interior and has damaged structural parts it could be the time to replace the window. It is essential to replace a rotten window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is removing the old sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support when the studs are weighing. After removing the old sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. After the sill has been cleaned and dry, replace it with a new board and attach it to the studs. A sill that is rotten can be ugly and cause costly repairs in the future. It could, for instance, cause the sash, which is hard to spot to notice, to shift. This could lead to cracks, bows or damaged glass pane. A sill that is rotten may allow water to enter the wall and cause mold. It's not as difficult as it seems to fix a damaged sill. To stop rot, you must keep the window free of debris and dirt. You should also apply a sealant to the window frames to protect them from moisture. Additionally, you should utilize a dehumidifier to control moisture levels within your home, which will stop wooden sashes from expanding or sticking. Sticky sashes are a frequent issue for windows with sash. To resolve them it is possible to apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray to the tracks of your windows to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can use a utility knife to slice through the paint layers and release the sashes. Reinstalling the parting bead is another method to repair a sash that is stuck. If the sash remains sticking, you can also consider draught-proofing it. This is done by placing an insulating strip of rubber in the spaces between the sash and frame that reduces airflow and improves the acoustic performance of the window.