Sash Window Repair
Regular maintenance is required for sash windows with weights that are not new. This includes cleaning, lubricating, and replacing hardware. This also includes adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes in order to lessen rattling.
Utilize a utility knife to cut off any paint that is covering the window's face. Then, remove the window face and trim it to expose the sash assembly.
Cracked Sash and Frame
It may be the time to replace your sash window if you find that they aren't sliding up and down as effortlessly. A cracked sash or frame can result in draughts and condensation, which is why it's essential to fix the issue as soon as you can. The most common problem with sash windows that are old is that they've simply become worn out over time However, you can take a few steps to restore them to their former glory.
Examine the window and frame for signs of damage, such as rot or mold. If you spot any of these issues then sand the area and then repaint it to match the rest of the frame. You can also replace the entire window if the old sash is damaged.
If the sash is sliding or stuck in certain places it can be released by closing and opening it several times. This should help remove any paint that is stuck and will allow the sash. If the sash remains stuck after a few attempts to free it, try using a hairdryer set at a low temperature to heat the sash's frame and mold to soften any putty. Once the sash is unbound you can use a utility knife or even better a special tool that looks like a serrated metal spatula called the 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 could only be a couple of nails or screws securing this strip in place along the length of the molding. If not, you can remove the strip that is parting with the chisel. Start at the sill.
It's important to install the strip correctly after you have removed it. If you're lucky, the groove is wide enough for an additional strip to slide into and will be held in with a few wood nails. If the groove is too small, you will need to sand the groove and add a strip of the correct size.
Sash or Frame Stuck
When a sash window opens and closes easily but becomes stuck at a point and then stops functioning 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 can set in. Re-gluing these joints is a relatively easy task and can be accomplished without removing the window.
Check the frame thoroughly before beginning to re-glue joints. Check to see that all joints are in good condition and free of cracks or leaking. If the wood is decaying and rotting, it should be removed and chemically stripped. Once repairs are completed the wood should be sanded prior to re-staining.
Start by checking for a damaged sash cord if the sash seems to be stuck in the bottom. If the cord is broken it is likely that it has twisted inside the frame and became stuck. This will cause the window to feel heavier when opening and closing. To fix this issue cut the cord close to the sash (a friend can assist you) and pull the cord down to let it out.
Utilize a scraper to take the remaining paint from both sides of the sash frame. You should do this with care, as you don't want to break the glass or damage the mortise and tenon joints. After the paint has been removed then apply wood hardener to the frame and sash. This product will re-strengthen the wood and protect it from further rotting.
If you notice that there is an indentation between the sash's edge and the frame, insert a wide putty blade (not a screwscrewdriver) and gently move it upwards and downwards on the side. You may have to tap the handle with a hammer to make it move.
You can also use blocks in the channel between the sash and below it. Tap it with a hammer in order to wedge the sash. If you're above a pathway ensure that no one is walking under the window.
Leaking Frame or Sash
Leaks of water around windows can be a nuisance and inconvenient. They can also cause serious structural damage and promote the growth of mould that is dangerous. If you know what to check, a leaking glass window is usually repaired without the need to replace the entire window.
Find damp wood in the frame and sash and on the outside walls near the window, particularly in the corners. If you notice water stains, moisture on the ceiling or wall near the window, or rotting wood on the sill, it's time for an expert. If the moisture is coming from outside, it's most likely due to a blocked drainage hole or because flashing isn't properly installed or missing entirely.
A rupture in the gasket between the two panes can cause leaks in the interior of windows with double panes. It is crucial to regularly test the integrity of the seal on a window that has a gasket between the two panes. A simple tool that looks like a pen or pencil with a pointed end can be used to test the seal. You can push the tip of the tool between the frame and the window to see if it is loose or tight.
Vinyl frames are prone to air infiltration since PVC expands and contract at a seven-times greater rate than glass. This movement can put stress on and shear glazing sealants, allowing air to move in between the sash and frame. This can be fixed in some cases by resealing using silicone caulk or expanding foam tape.
If you have casement or awning windows, be sure to inspect their hinges to ensure they are secure and not leaky. Also, if you have exposed wood on the inside of the frame, near the edges or sash, it is essential to paint the area with a latex caulk to stop air infiltration.
Frame or Sash damaged
A damaged sash or frame is a sign it's time for repairs. Often, this means replacing the damaged section with a new piece of wood. A carpenter with expertise in sash window repair is able to accomplish this without having to replace the entire window. They can also add modern features like double glazing and sound-reducing glass.
These repairs will often make the window more efficient and last longer. The wooden sash window frames expand and contract as a result of changes in humidity. Making sure that the seal is tight on the window is vital to ensure that it functions correctly.
One of the most prevalent signs that your sash windows require repair is that they are difficult to open and close. Sash windows should slide open and close with little effort. If door repair yours feel stiff, or require a great deal of force, it could mean that the sash doesn't sit properly in the frame.
It could be caused by a variety of factors, such as inadequate installation and old age. Check that the sash has been properly seated by looking at it from the outside and then poking it with your finger. If the wood is soft or has holes, it's probably rotting and will need to be replaced.
If the sash is in good condition it's possible that the pocket has become stuck. The sash pockets are usually a snug fit, but over the years they can be closed with paint or pinned in place with nails or screws. You can use a sharp knife to cut along any paint joints and then gently pull the pocket out.
After removing the sash remove the cords of the sash and lower the weights if required. Replace the sash horns, parting beads, sash pulleys and cords. Apply decorators caulk to the staff bead, the container and sash pulleys to seal and prevent the risk of draughts.