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Sash Window Repair Sash windows offer an elegant aesthetic to a home. Nevertheless, they can be problematic and drafty due to wear and age. Repairs to windows with sash are a great method of making them more functional and preserving the original elegance. The first step in sash window repair is to remove the “pocket covers”. These are tiny pieces of wood that are placed in the lower part of the frame to permit access to the weights. Sashes that have been damaged If your sash windows are damaged or leaky, you'll need to do more than repair the surface. You'll save money by doing a more thorough repair, especially if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and how to fix them: Problems with Sticking It is difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit properly into the frame. This can result in rattling noises and allow drafts to enter your house. To fix this issue you can use a utility knife to score the paint line on the inside side of the sash, then pry it off. Be careful not to damage the wood. After that, you'll need apply a sash grease that will allow it to move more smoothly. Broken Sash Cords Some double-hung sashes that are old are made of metal or cotton supporting the weights used lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break, rendering it impossible to raise or keep the sash up. To fix this, follow these steps: Then, pull the sash to the right and take it off the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it, and then remove any nails that are protruding from the end. Remove the nail using needle-nose pliers and then insert it back into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it using a nail set. Install the beads for staff and install the sash. Make sure you leave enough for the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Last but not least, put back the counterweights and balances. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk can be applied between the staff bead and the box. Glazing putty can be used to repair the sash once it has been repaired. Glazing putty is typically made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to make it workable and not stick to your hands. Let the putty completely dry before reinstalling the sash or painting the frame. Broken sash cords To balance and support the sashes of old double-hung windows (two sashes), chains or cotton cords are attached to the counterweights. Over time, the cords might break, preventing the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. it. Replacing the sash's cords is a simple home repair that can fix the issue in a matter of less than an hour. Begin by removing your staff bead that separates the lower and upper sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is driven 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 as well as the old cord residue and paint around the groove of the sash. To open sash window locks repairmywindowsanddoors pull one of the cords through the sash. When you've made it as far as you can make a mark on the cord in pencil and cut it out using an utility knife. After you've finished, make sure the new cord lines up with the groove in the sash and that it's tied to the frame of the sash with a knot. If the sash remains too high to move then you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and remove the old cords. Once the sash is removed, you'll have to remove the access panels in the sash channels in order to expose the counterweights and pulley system. If the window has been painted, you'll need to score the seams with either a hammer or chisel, in order to remove the panel without damaging it. After you've removed the access panel, you can see the two sash weights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the weights from the back and front and tie the sash cords onto the weights using self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, reconnect the sashweights, and then reset the system to work properly. Drafts Sash windows add a hint of the past to older homes but they also present issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult or impossible to close and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by breeze, and allowing drafts in. These issues are usually caused by the swelling of wood, paint buildup or sash cords that have become rotted. There are a variety of affordable and cost-effective solutions to repair the problem and keep your windows operating properly. The first step in fixing an old sash window is disassembling it. Remove the sash as well as the frame, and ensure that the components are in good shape. Sand down the wood to make it appear better and stop drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash still sticks, use an utility knife to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt pins can enhance the window's performance. A sash window functions by counterbalancing the weight of glass with the help of weights passed over the pulley system. The weights, typically constructed of cast iron, are accessible via an access panel or pocket located within the lining of the box. To prevent the weights from falling down, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide. It isn't easy to access these weights, since the sash's upper part can be sealed with paint and then nailed into place. However, if you are cautious and patient, you can remove the sash using bar clamps, reversed so that they break apart, allowing it out of the groove in the rails that meet. It might take a some tapping and jiggling to get it free however once you have it removed, make sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to. You can also change the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. It's not as difficult as you think to change the balance of a double-hung window. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and replacement kit. Rotten sill Eventually, old timbers will deteriorate and even the best-maintained windows made of sash will begin to begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it might be possible to fix the window. If, however, it has gotten into the frame and into the interior of the home and has damaged structural members it's probably the right time to replace it. If you've found a decayed sill, you must to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load-bearing, you may need to build temporary supports. After removing the sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with the new board and nail it into the studs. A rotten sill is not just ugly, it can cause costly repairs in the near future. For instance, it could cause the sash to shift which is difficult to spot and could lead to cracks or bowed glass pane. A sill that is rotten may let water in the wall and cause mold. Replacing a sill that is rotten is not as hard as it may sound. To avoid rot, keep the window clean and free of dirt and debris. It is also recommended to apply a sealant on the window frames to protect them from moisture. You can also use humidifiers to manage the moisture in your home. This will prevent wooden sashes sticking or swelling. Sash windows are usually plagued by stuck sashes. To fix them it is possible to apply small amounts of wax or silicone spray onto the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of the buildup of paint, you can make use of a utility knife cut through the layers of paint and free the sashes. Reinstalling the parting bead is another method to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash remains stuck, you can try draught-proofing it. This involves putting an insulating strip of rubber in the gaps between the frame and sash that reduces air flow and improves the acoustic performance of the window.