Sash Window Repair Tips From The Most Successful In The Industry
Sash Window Repair
It's not about aesthetics or to ensure that your home is energy efficient, many homeowners choose to fix their sash windows. This can be accomplished on an DIY basis or a professional can offer the service.
The cost of a complete frame replacement varies from $150 to $500 depending on the material used and the condition of the window. A less costly option is to repair the sash instead.
Glass Replacement
The repair of sash windows involves a number of different tasks. These include stripping paint, steaming and scraping while resetting the glass, glazing putty and priming. These tasks can be time-consuming and tedious however they are necessary to ensure that your sash window looks and functions at its best. A restored sash windows can add character and value to your home, while also reducing costs for energy.
If your windows in sash are in bad condition, it's likely that they're not operating correctly or allow drafts into the home. It could be that the sash cords are damaged, or simply that it is painted shut. The good news is that it can be fixed without conducting a full replacement.
A sash that is stuck in the frame may be difficult to open and may create drafts and rattles when the wind blows. If the sash has been closed and not damaged it is usually opened by using an instrument knife to cut through the layers of paint. If the sash is just sticky and squishy, applying silicone or wax spray to the window tracks can help it move more easily.
Check that the counterweights and sash weights have not been damaged or rotted. This will ensure that the sash will be pulled open and closed. In addition, it's important to ensure that the sash is fully glazed and not missing any glass panes.
It is worth removing the pockets and scoring the paint using a knife around the perimeter to take it off. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging the wood. After the sash has been removed and cleaned, it can be cleaned by using an abrasive and a damp cloth.
After cleaning the sash it is ready to be refracted. Glazing putty is a mixture of chalk and linseed oil, and is available from most hardware stores. It is essential to add chalk to the putty to make it more flexible, as this will prevent it from sticking to your fingers when you apply it to the sash. When the sash is set it is recommended to allow it to completely dry before reinstalling it.
Weatherstripping
Over time the moving parts of a sash window can be damaged or worn out. Repairing these parts as they wear will prevent further damage and reduce the loss of energy. Often it is possible to repair the damage with replacement parts that are cheaper than replacing the entire window. Whether you're looking to repair your double-hung windows sliding sash windows, sliding sash windows, or single-hung windows with sash, the procedure is quite easy.
The first step is to take the old sash from the frame. Depending on the condition of your windows, this can be easy or may require some crowbars to remove the sash from the frame. It is possible to inspect the sash for wear and damage after it's been removed. If you find any damage, you can replace the parts. Usually, these parts are inexpensive and readily available at your local hardware store.
Put the sash back into the frame, if it's in good condition. This will restore the window's purpose and provide more secure protection against the elements. However, before installing your sash, make sure you apply a weather stripping to the sill and top of the window. This will aid in keeping cold air out and warm air in during the winter.
There are many different types of weather stripping to pick from. Some types are more durable than others, so make sure to select one that is suitable for your application. For example foam tape is made from closed or open-cell foam and has an adhesive back. This kind of weather stripping is best for sealing gaps around the bottom of a sash or door.
Another kind of weather seal is a flexible EPDM rubber strip that's usually cut to size and adhered along the edges of a door or window frame. This type of weather stripping offers a better seal than a vinyl tape and is typically simpler to install since it does not require an adhesive backing.
It is also possible to use a weather seal that is flexible like V-channel to line the grooves and track where the window moves. This will create a tight seal for the window even when it's closed, and reduces drafts.
Sash Weights
Even sash windows in good condition may be afflicted by a range of issues, which could result in their replacement. Draughts, rattles, and sticking are typical problems, but rotting frames and rails that meet, broken glazing bars, damaged weights and sash cords that break or are slack may also be to blame. Sash windows are still an essential feature in a lot of buildings. If you take care in the renovation process they can be restored to their previous glory.
The most common window sash problem is a sash that gets stuck in its vertical position. Fortunately, this issue is simple to resolve. A thin layer of silicone spray applied to the window tracks will aid in making the sash slide along more easily. Steaming can help to ease the process. If the buildup of paint causes the sash to become stuck and sag, it could be necessary to use a knife to cut through the layers of paint. It is important to be careful not to cause damage to the frame or sash by working slowly and with care.
Accessing the sash weights may be difficult, but it is possible to remove and replace them as part of the sash window repair. By using the access panel or by removing the cover for the pocket, open the window and gain access to the sash weight pockets in the frame. Remove the old weights and install new ones, ensuring that they are balanced.
A flat pry bar is used to gently raise the sash back to its original position after it has been completely removed from its vertical position. Once the sash has moved back into its original position reconnect the tilt pin, and balance shoe. After the sash is relocated, lock it into place and then test its operation.
After all repairs to the window sash have been completed, it's time to put it back together. Reinstall the sash and be careful to ensure that it is balanced properly and is operating smoothly. Lubricate all pieces of metal weatherstripping and secure it to the side jambs with small brad nails. Reinstall the stop beads and make sure they are not too tight that they restrict sash movement.
Hardware
Hardware for sash windows includes cables, pulleys, and other components designed to make it easier for the window to open and close. As time passes, these components may wear out, leading to stiffness in the sash. The parts can be replaced to ensure the smooth operation of double-hung windows.
A faulty counterbalance can also cause the sash to get stuck. This could be due to an unattached or damaged sash cord/chain, an unattached sash weight, or an unbalanced pulley that's not functioning properly. It is important to check these parts regularly to prevent a major problem in the future.
To get rid of a sash that is stuck it is necessary to break the paint seal. Begin by putting on a pair of gloves and carefully using the flat pry bar to break the paint seal along the vertical stile of the sash, and also the sash's meeting rail and the pocket at the bottom of the sash. Depending on the age of the windows and in what condition the windows are, it may be necessary for you to score the paint seam using an utility blade prior to you begin. This will enable you to get rid of the glazing putty and not damage the wood.
Before reinstalling the sash, apply silicone-based fluid to ensure that it moves smoothly. It's also important to ensure that the sash is aligned correctly, with even spacing and gaps between the edges.
The sash is then covered in new glazing putty. It is crucial to use the correct amount to achieve a consistent consistency. Glazing putty is made up of linseed and chalk. It should feel tacky, but not sticky.
Once the sash is reinstalled it is important to test it by raising and lowering it. If it remains rigid, it's most likely due to an old sash cord that requires replacing. Fortunately this is a simple fix. Take the interior stops out and access doors from each side jamb. Next, feed in an additional length of sash through the pulleys on each side jamb. Then, connect wooden sash windows to the sash and tie them at the pockets for sash weights. Replace the access doors with new ones to hide the sashweights.