Sash Window Repair
Old sash windows with weighted sash windows require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, lubricating and replacing hardware. It also involves adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes to lessen rattle.
To begin you need a utility knife to cut through any paint sealing the window facing. Then, remove the window face and trim it to expose the sash.
Cracked Sash or Frame
If you notice your windows' sash aren't moving up and down smoothly anymore, it may be time to repair them. It is essential to fix a cracked sash as soon as you can. This will help prevent draughts or condensation. Old sash windows are often worn down over time. However they can be restored to their former glory by following a few simple steps.
If you notice any of these issues you can sand and paint the area to match the rest of the frame. If you discover any of these problems then sand the area and then repaint it to be in line with the frame. You can also replace the entire window if the sash has been damaged.
The sash can be opened and closed repeatedly to release it in the event that it's stuck or sliding. This should help remove any paint that is stuck and will free the sash. If the sash is still stuck after several attempts trying, try using a hairdryer on low heat to heat the sash frame and molding to soften any putty. Make use of a utility knife or a special tool called a windowsaw (available in paint and hardware stores at around $10) to remove the sash.
The next step is to remove the glass from the sashes. If you're lucky enough, there might only be one or two nails or screws securing this strip in place along the length of the molding. If not, you'll have to cut off the strip with a chisel starting at the sill and gradually moving it towards the jamb.
After you've removed the strip that was strip that separates you, it's crucial to install it correctly. If you're lucky, the groove will be sufficient to allow a fresh strip of wood to slide into it and be secured by a few nails. If the groove is too narrow, you'll have to sand it down and add a strip that is the proper width.
Sash or Frame Stuck
When a sash window opens and closes easily but gets stuck at one point and stops working it's a sign the sash and frame may need replacing the glue. Over time, glue deteriorates, cycles of expansion and contraction take place due to changes in humidity, or rot may begin to develop. Re-gluing these joints is a relatively simple task that can be done without dismantling the window.
Before you begin to re-glue the joints, you must thoroughly examine the entire frame. Make sure all the joints are in good condition and free of cracking or leaks. If the wood has begun to rot, it should be removed and chemically stripped. Once repairs are completed the wood should be sanded before re-staining.
If the sash appears be stuck in the bottom, start looking for a snapped sash sash cord. If there is a damaged cord, it may have become twisted within the frame and got stuck. This can cause the window to feel heavier when opening and closing. To fix this window repair near me issue, cut the cord close to the sash (a friend can assist you) and pull the cord down to let it go.
Make use of a scraper to remove the remaining paint from both the frame of the sash. This should be done with care to avoid damaging the glass or mortise and tenon joints. After the paint has been removed then apply wood hardener to the frame and sash. This product will strengthen the wood and prevent it from rotting further.
If you find a gap where the sash meets the frame, carefully insert a wide putty knife (not a screwdriver) into the gap and then move it across one side and then the other. You may need to tap the handle with a hammer in order to make it move.
You can also put blocks in the channel either below or above the sash. Tap this with a hammer to wedge the sash open. If you're above an avenue, ensure that nobody is walking under the window.
Leaking Sash or Frame
If water leaks around the window, it's more than only annoying and inconvenient but it can also cause serious damage to the structure and promote the growth of dangerous mold. If you know what to check, a leaking glass window can be fixed without the need to replace the entire window.
Find damp wood in the frame, sash or the exterior wall next to the window. Pay attention to the corners. If you see water stains, dampness in the wall or ceiling near the window, or decaying wood on the sill, it's time for an expert. If the moisture appears to be coming from the outside, the problem is likely caused by a clogged drainage hole or flashing that's been installed incorrectly or not at all.
Leaks that occur on the interior of a double-pane window can result from a failure of the gasket that seals the two glass panes. It is important to check the integrity regularly of a seal on a window that has a gasket in between the two panes. A simple tool, which looks like a large pencil or pen with a pointed tip, can be used to test the seal. Then, push the end of the tool between the frame and the window to check if it's loose or tight.
Vinyl frames are susceptible to air infiltration around windows since the PVC expands and contracts at a rate seven times greater than glass. This movement can cause the sealants used to seal the glass to be stretched and sheared, which allows air to enter the space between sash frame. In some cases this issue can be resolved by re-sealing the glass with silicone caulk or expanding foam tape.
If you own awning or casement windows, be sure to examine their hinges to make sure they are secure and aren't leaking. Also, if there is unfinished wood in the interior of the frame, near the edges or sash, it is necessary to paint this area with a caulk made of latex to stop air from entering.
Frame and Sash Damaged
A damaged sash or frame is a sign that it's time for repairs. This usually means replacing the damaged piece with a brand new piece. A carpenter with expertise in repairing sash windows will be able to do this without having to replace the entire window. They can also include modern features like double glazing and sound-reducing glass.
In most cases, these repairs aid the window in performing better and last longer. The wood used in sash windows will naturally swell and shrink in response to changes in humidity so keeping a tight seal is essential to keep the window functioning properly.
It is typical for windows made of sash to be challenging to open or close. Sash windows should open and close without much effort. If yours are stiff, or require a lot of effort, it could be that the sash isn't sitting properly in the frame.
This can be caused by various factors, including poor installation or just age and wear. Make sure the sash has been correctly seated by looking from the outside and poking it with your finger. If the wood feels soft or has holes in it, then it's likely to be rotting. It's going to need to be replaced.
If the sash is attractive it is most likely that the pocket is snagged. Sash pockets are typically snug, but they can become closed with time or even pinned with nails or screws. You can employ a sharp knife cut along any joints in the paint, and gently pry the pocket open.
After removing the sash remove the cords of the sash, and lower the weights if required. Then take the sash horns back and parting beads and the sash pulleys and cords. Once everything is back in place, apply a decorators caulk to close around the staff bead as well as the box to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of your new sash.