15 Things Your Boss Wishes You Knew About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window RepairRegular maintenance is essential for windows with weighted sash windows that are old. This includes cleaning, lubricating, and replacing hardware. This also includes adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes to lessen rattle.
To begin you need a utility knife to cut through any paint covering the window's face. Then, carefully take off the window face and trim it to expose the sash.
Cracked Sash or Frame
It's time to fix your sash window if notice that they are not sliding up and down as effortlessly. A broken frame or sash can result in draughts and condensation, so it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible. Old sash windows are often damaged over time. However you can bring them back to their former glory by taking a few simple steps.
Examine the window and frame for indications of damage, like rot or mold. If you find any of these problems, sand the area and then repaint it to be in line with the frame. You can also replace the entire window if you notice that the sash is damaged.
If the sash is sagging or sagging in particular places, it can usually be freed by opening and closing it several times. This will break up any paint stuck to the sash and assist in moving it. If the sash stays stuck after a few attempts to free it, use a hairdryer at low temperature to warm the sash and molding to soften the putty. After the sash is free then use a knife or even better a tool that appears like a metal spatula with serrated edges called a window saw (available at paint and hardware stores for about $10).
The next step is to break the glass apart from the sashes. If you're lucky, there may only be one or two nails or screws securing the strip along the length of the molding. If not, take off the strip that is parting with the chisel. Start at the sill.
Once you've removed the strip that was used for the parting, it is important to put it back in the proper place. If you're lucky, the groove will be sufficient for the new strip to slide into place and it will be secured with some wood nails. If the groove is too small then you'll need to sand the groove and then add a strip the proper width.
Stuck Sash or Frame
If a sash window is able to open and close easily, but it becomes stuck at a point and then stops working it's a sign the sash and frame may need re-gluing. Over time, old glue degrades, cycles of contraction and expansion occur due to changes in humidity, or rot can set in. Re-gluing the joints is a simple task that can be completed without having to dismantle the window.
Before you begin re-gluing the joints, thoroughly inspect the entire frame. Check that all seams are secure and free of cracks or leaks. If the wood has begun to rot, it should be removed and chemically stripped. After the repairs are completed, the wood should be sanded down before applying the new stain.
If the sash appears be stuck at the bottom, start by looking for a snapped sash cable. If there is a damaged cord, it may have twisted within the frame and became stuck. This will cause the window to feel heavier when opening and closing. To correct this issue cut the cord in close to the sash (a friend can assist you) and pull the cord downwards to let it go.
Use a scraper to remove the remaining paint from both sides of the frame of the sash. You should take it slow, as you don't want to break the glass or damage the mortise and tenon joints. After the majority of the paint is gone you can apply a wood-hardener to the frame and sash. This product will help strengthen the timber and prevent it from further decay.
If you discover that there is an indentation between the sash and frame, you can insert a wide putty blade (not a screwscrewdriver) and gently work it upwards and downwards on the side. You may need to tap the handle of the knife using a hammer in order to push it into.
You can also use a block of wood in the channel that is just below or above the sash. Tap it with a hammer to make it wedge the sash. If you're located above a walkway, make sure no-one is walking through the window.
Leaking Frame or Sash
If water leaks from the window, it's more than only a nuisance and a hassle but it can also cause serious damage to the structure and encourage the growth of dangerous mold. The good thing is that a leaking window can usually be repaired without replacing the window itself, if you know what to look for.
Look for damp wood in the frame, sash or on the exterior wall next to the window. Pay attention to the corners. Consult a professional if notice water stains or moistness on the wall or ceiling near the window or rotting wood at the sill. If the moisture appears to be coming from outside, the problem is likely to be caused by a blocked drainage hole or flashing that's been installed incorrectly or not installed at all.
A failure of the gasket between the two panes may cause leaks to the interior of a double-paned window. If you have a newer window that has a gasket sandwiched between the two panes, it's important to test the strength of the seal frequently to ensure that it is functioning properly. A simple tool, that appears like an enormous pencil or pen with a pointed tip, can be used to test the seal. Use the tool's tip to push between the window and frame to check if they are tight or loose.
Vinyl frames are prone to air infiltration around windows because the PVC expands and contracts at a rate seven times greater than glass. This movement can cause the glazing sealants to be stressed and sheared, allowing air to pass through the gap between the sash frame. This can be fixed in some instances by resealing with silicone caulk, or expanding foam tape.
If you have awning or casement windows, make sure to examine their hinges to make sure that they are in good condition and aren't leaking. If you notice bare wood near the edges of the window frame or sash on the inside, it's important to use a latex sealant to prevent air from getting into.
Frame or Sash damaged
A damaged sash or frame is a sign it's time to make repairs. This typically involves replacing the damaged component with a new piece. A carpenter who is familiar with windows made of sash will be able to do this without having to replace the whole window. They can also include modern features like double glazing and sound-reducing glass.
In most cases, these repairs help the window to perform better and last longer. The wood used in sash windows will naturally swell and shrink with changing humidity, so sealing the window is crucial to ensure that the window is operating effectively.
One of the most prevalent indications that your sash windows need a repair is that they are difficult to open and close. Sash windows are designed to open and closed with very little effort, so if they are stiff or require an enormous amount of force to move, it is an indication that your sash isn't properly seated in the frame.
The cause could be various factors like poor installation or simply age and wear. You can verify whether the sash is set properly by looking at it from the outside as well as rubbing it with your finger. If the wood is brittle or has holes, then it's likely to be getting rotten. It will need replacing.
If the sash looks good it is most likely that the pocket is stuck. Sash pockets are generally an ideal fit, however in time, they can be painted shut or even secured with nails or screws. A sharp knife can be used to repair upvc windows cut through any joints in the paint and then gently tear the pocket open.
After the sash has been removed, remove the sash cords and lower the weights (if needed). Then, replace the sash horns and the parting beads as well as the cords and pulleys for the sash. Use decorators caulk around the staff bead, the container and sash pulleys to close and prevent the chance of draughts.