Sash Window Repairs
If sash windows aren't maintained properly, they could be ineffective. This can lead to drafts, energy loss, and moisture damage.
Paint can peel and crack, leaving the timber exposed to the elements. Specialist joiners can repaint or restore the stain, repairing any damage and securing it for the future.
A stable work platform is provided by an easel, which is extremely helpful when working on Sash window sashes. A good scraper will also be essential.
Sash Cords that are Broken or worn
As time passes, sash cords may become stiff and snap or break. This is typically caused by a problem with the window, such as broken pulleys. However, it could also happen when the sash is opened and closed repeatedly. The sash may be difficult to move without requiring a lot of effort or sagging.
To repair broken sash cables, open the window. Locate the parting bead. It's an elongated piece of wood that divides the upper and lower sashes. Gently pry the bead away from the frame with the screwdriver. After removing the bead you can begin to remove the sash. Once the sash is completely removed, you'll have to find the two cast iron weights that are housed in a pocket located on the opposite side of the sash. Typically, there is one weight in the back (towards the exterior of the window frame) and the other one in front (towards the inside side of the frame). Take both weights off and set them in a separate area.
After taking out the counterweights from the sash channels, you can remove the access panel. You may require screws or a chisel in order to remove the panel, depending on what type of window you own. Once the panel is removed, you will be in a position to see the spring that is coiled and helps retract the sash cords. If it's not functioning properly, you'll hear the window trying to move or feel some resistance.
To fix this, you will need to recoiled the spring. Once it is re-coiled, you can secure it to the wall using a piece of cord. It is important to do this correctly as a loose knot could result in the cords breaking and failing to retract when you need them.
After the cords are re-tied, you can replace access panels and the jambliner. Slide the sash in place. Check that the new cords are long enough and secure. Then, you can insert the sash cords into slots and holes of the lower sash. You can also put the counterweights into their pockets. Now, you can test your work. Slide the sash up-and-down to ensure it is moving smoothly.
Drafts and air leaks
Sash windows often develop drafts and air leaks from age, damage to the window, or even just poor construction. While these issues are usually an indication of windows that are ready to be replaced but they can also be repaired or replaced with a little effort.
One of the most frequent air leak and draft issues is caused by weather stripping that is worn or a lack of weather stripping in any way. Sash windows should be fitted with foam tape or a similar product, running along the bottom and around the top of each sash. This will help seal the gap and keep hot or cold air out. If the weather stripping is damaged or folded over or is missing, it can lead to drafts and energy inefficiency.
If the wood on your windows is decaying, you'll likely need to replace them. It's not always the situation. Your Tasker might be able of preserving the wood by making some shrewd repairs. The most effective method to determine whether your sash windows have begun to rotting is by pushing an electric screwdriver into the wood and observing if it goes all through.
An easy fix is to replace the pockets covers and bead. You can do this by scoring the paint using a utility knife between the frame and the sash, and then removing the cover of the pocket or parting bead using the help of a scraper. Identical beading is usually available to purchase, so it's not difficult to make.
Once these repairs are made Once these repairs are completed, you can count on your sash windows to be functional and look great again! Although it's not always possible to resurrect old sash windows considered beyond repair, the vast majority of windows can be salvaged and restored to provide decades of reliable service. It is a good idea to engage a Tasker to handle any window repairs that require more effort than simple corrosion or scratch treatments, as these tasks may take longer to complete. However, most Taskers can get these types of jobs done in just a few hours, or even less.
Rotting Wood
As wood rots, it loses the ability to hold nails or other fasteners. This loss of structural strength can eventually result in window damage, or even complete collapse. Patching wood windows that are rotting can be a good fix however, replacing them is usually a better solution. To stop rotting from occurring, check your sash windows regularly for indications of moisture buildup. You should make sure to fix any problems that you discover.
When you perform routine maintenance, you must clean your windows in order to remove dirt and grime that can block the movement of the sashes. Dehumidifiers are also a great option to regulate humidity, since too much moisture can cause the wood to stick and expand. To ensure that windows run smoothly, you should also apply a thin coating of wax to the window tracks and sashes to ensure lubrication.
If a sash becomes stuck, the first step is to examine the counterweights for any imbalance. If the counterweights are in good shape and there is no evidence of imbalance, the issue could be due to an air leak or draft. You can close the draft with foam tape, rope caulk or other adhesives.
It is often possible to save windows with little decay by using a wooden filler to repair the damaged area. To ensure a seamless appearance pick a wood filler that is compatible with the color and type of your wood. After the filler has dried, sand it until it is smooth prior to painting. If you notice that a portion of your sash has become completely decayed, replacing it with new wood is the best choice.
It isn't easy to take apart old wood weighted sash windows, but it is important to keep as much of the original frame as you can to minimize the expense of labor and prevent any unnecessary damage. Take a photo of the window before you begin to use it as a guideline for disassembling. You can also build an easel from framing wood so that you can work standing up while obtaining the best angles for glazing and scraping. sash window renovation is made much easier with a quality scraper, such as the Bahco that allows you to adjust the blades to the ideal angle for the curved parts of the sash.
Frame Damaged
As windows age, the frame can be damaged or decayed. The good thing is that it's possible to repair these old timber frames instead of replacing them. However, this is a big project that requires a lot of materials.
This job can take anywhere from a few seconds to a full day. A professional can eliminate the decayed parts and apply wood fillers and apply natural preservatives to extend the lifespan of your windows. This will save you money on your electricity bills and also prevent drafts from entering your home.
A tasker can also repair sills and parts of sash that have been damaged or rotting. They'll often use the window that was originally installed as a reference and you won't have to buy a new set of windows.
To repair a damaged sash first steam the sash to remove any paint or varnish. Scrape the sash down to the wood grain before priming it with glazing putty, reinstalling it, and then putting in glass. After that, sand down the sash frame and sash to a smooth finish and apply two coats of primer.
The earliest sashes were connected with wooden pegs driven through a mortise-and-tenon. This kind of joint could be more difficult to remove, and you will need the aid of a handsaw, knife or a sharp object to cut the glueline. Later sashes used glue which is easier to disassemble.
Once the sash is repaired, it's time to reinstall the vinyl track in the frame. Release the pawls from each locking terminal using an screwdriver, then lower the sash so that it rests on vinyl jamb liners.
Before reinstalling the sash, it is important to set it in glazing putty. You can buy this mix of chalk and linseed from any hardware store. Keep a few pieces of chalk on hand to make the putty useful and to clean. After mixing the putty, you can knead it until it's smooth. Then add more chalk as necessary to create a uniform consistency.