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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch of luxury to any house. They can become drafty and troublesome as they get older. Repairing sash windows is a great method to increase the functionality and maintain the original look of your windows. The first step in repairing sash windows is to take off the “pocket covers”. These are bits of wood that are placed low on the frame that give access to the weights. Damaged sashes If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to go beyond repair the surface. Performing a more comprehensive repair will save you money in the long run, especially in the case of an older house that has poor insulation. Here are some common sash window problems and how to repair them: Stuck Issues It will be difficult to close or open the window if the sash does not fit tightly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts into your house. To fix this issue, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the interior side of the sash, then pry it off. Be careful not to scratch the wood. Then, you'll want to apply a sash oil that will make it move more smoothly. Broken Sash Cords Some double-hung sashes from the past are made of metal or cotton that support the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, the cords can break, rendering it difficult to raise or keep the sash in place. To fix this issue, follow these steps: Then, pull the sash to the right and remove it from the frame. Cut the cord at the bottom of the sash, and then remove any nails sticking out of the end. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers and then reinsert it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole, and secure it using the nail set. Install the beads on the staff and then reinstall the sash. Make sure to leave enough for the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent way to reduce the amount of draughts. Apply small amounts between the bead box for staff. When the frame and sash are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is usually made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough of the chalk to allow it to work and not stick to your hands. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the sash or painting the frame. Broken sash cords Old double-hung (two sashes) windows are made of cotton cords or metal chains attached to the counterweights to help keep the sashes level within the window jamb. As time passes, the cords could break, which stops the sashes from opening or closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home repair that can fix these issues in less than an hour. Begin by removing the staff bead that separates the lower and upper sashes. A nail is usually driven through the knot, and then into the sash's casing to keep the bead in place, however, you should be capable of removing it using needle-nose pliers. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads, and then clean off paint, caulk, and old cord residue around the sash groove. To open the window, pull on one of the cords running through the sash to lift it up. When you've pulled the cord to the maximum extent it can go, mark the cord with a pencil and cut it to length using an utility knife. Once you're done, make sure that the new cord is aligned with the groove on the sash. Also, secure it to the sash with a knot. If the sash isn't moving, you can cut the cords with your side cutters. When the sash is completely free it is necessary to remove the access panel within the sash channel in order to expose the pockets for sash weights, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window is painted you may have to cut the seams using a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint. Once you've removed the access panel, you'll be able to see the two cast-iron sash sash weights inside each pocket. Remove the one on the back and one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight by using a self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and then reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly. Drafts Sash windows add a bit of history to older homes, but they also present maintenance challenges. They can be difficult or impossible to close and open and can be noisy in the winds, and letting drafts in. These issues are usually caused by the swelling of wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have become rotted. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective methods to fix these problems and keep your sash window working properly. The first step to repair an old sash window is to take it apart it. Remove try this out , as well as the frame, and ensure that all components are in good order. Sand the wood to make it look better and to prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone spray or wax can make the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers to release it. Adding a new set of tilt pins could also enhance the window's operation. A sash window operates by compensating the weight of the glass with the help of weights that are passed through a pulley system. These weights, usually made of cast iron, can be accessed via an access panel or pocket within the lining of the box. A dividing strip is inserted inside the window frame to prevent the weights from colliding. Accessing these weights can be difficult, since the upper sash is painted shut and is nailed into the correct position. If you are patient and careful you can remove the sash by using a pair of bar clamps that have been sliced apart. It may take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it free however once you have it out, be sure to check the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) if necessary. You can also alter the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. Replacing the balance of a double-hung window is much simpler than it seems, and you can do it yourself with the proper tools and replacement kit. Rotten sill Even the best-maintained windows will eventually show signs of rot. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it might be possible to fix the window. If it has progressed through the frame into the interior of the home and has damaged structural components it's likely the time to replace it. If you've got rotten sill, you must to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is to take off the old sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support in the event that the studs bear weight. After removing the sill, clean off any paint remaining from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new board and then nail it into the studs. A stained sill is not just unsightly, it can cause costly repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash's to shift, which can be difficult to spot and could cause cracks or bowed glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water get into the wall which could lead to mold and other problems. It's not as difficult as it appears to repair a sill that is rotten. It is vital to maintain the window to prevent rot, so you should regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them free of dirt and debris. Install a seal of protection on the frames of the windows to keep them dry. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels within your home, which can stop wooden sashes from swelling or sagging. Sashes that stick are a common problem with sash windows. To get them out of the way it is possible to apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray to the tracks of your windows to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can use a utility knife to slice through the paint layers and free the sashes. Another method to fix a sticking sash is to reinstall the parting bead. If the sash remains stuck you can try making it draught-proof. This is done by placing a piece of rubber between the frame of the sash and sash. This will reduce airflow and improves the acoustic properties.