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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a classy style to any home. They can become drafty and difficult to repair as they get older. Repairing sash windows is a great option to improve functionality while maintaining the original beauty of your windows. The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove the “pocket covers”. These are tiny pieces of wood that are placed in the lower part of the frame to let the weights in. Damaged sashes If your sash windows have been damaged or leaky and water, you'll need to go beyond repair the surface. You can save money by performing a more thorough repair, especially if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to fix it: Problems with Sticking If the sash doesn't fit snugly within the frame, it will be difficult to open or close the window. This could result in rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home. To solve this issue, use an utility knife to cut and pry off the paint line from the inside side of your sash. Be careful not to harm the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash lubricant, which will help it move along smoothly. Broken Sash Cords In some cases, old double-hung sashes utilize metal or cotton cords to support the weights that lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords may break, making it impossible to lift or hold the sash up. Follow these steps to repair it: Remove the frame from the sash and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash. Cut it, and then remove any nails that are protruding from the end. Take the nail off using needle-nose pliers, and then insert it back into the side channel. The knot of the cord should be tucked into the hole, and secure it using an nail set. Re-install the sash and install the staff beads. Be sure to leave slack in the cords to allow for proper operation. Install the counterweights and balances. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk could be applied between the staff bead and box. Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is made by mixing chalk and linseed. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry before reinstalling sash or painting the frame. Broken sash cords To balance and support the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes), cotton cords or chains are affixed to counterweights. As time passes, the cords might break, preventing the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Replacing the sash's cords is an easy home repair that can fix these problems within less than a half hour. Start by removing the staff bead, which separates the lower and upper sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot and then into the side of the sash casing to keep the bead in place, but you should be able to pull it free by using needle-nose pliers. Remove any rusty nails from the stop beads and scrub off paint, caulk, and old cord traces around the groove in the sash. To open the windows, pull one of the cords through the sash. When you've pulled it as far as it can be make a mark on the cord using pencil, and then cut it into length with a utility knife. When you finish, ensure that the new cord matches with the groove in the sash and that it's connected to the frame by knotting it. If the sash still isn't moving you can cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash is removed, you'll need to remove the access panels in the sash channels, exposing the counterweights and pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will have to cut the seams using the hammer or chisel in order to remove the panel without damaging it. After you have removed the access panel you will see two cast-iron sashweights in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and one on the front, and then tie each sash cord to a weight using self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, it is necessary to reattach the sash weights and reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly. Drafts Sash windows are an excellent option to add a touch of old-fashioned charm to homes. However they can be a challenge to maintain. They can be difficult to open and close and can rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These issues are often caused by painted or swollen wood or sash cords that have rotted. There are many inexpensive and cost-effective methods to address these issues and keep your sash windows working properly. The first step in fixing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash, and frame, and check whether all parts are in good condition. Sand the wood to make it appear better and stop drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. A new set of tilt-pins can enhance the window's performance. Weights are pushed across a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of a sash window. These weights, usually made of cast iron, are accessible via an access panel or pocket located in the inner lining of the box. To prevent the weights from colliding, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they don't collide. The process of removing these weights can be tricky, as the upper sash is painted shut and can be nailed in the position. However, if you are cautious and patient you can easily remove the sash using a pair of bar clamps, reversed so that they spread apart, to ease it out of its groove in the rails that meet. It might take a few tapping and jiggling to pull it free but once you've got removed it, make sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required. While you're at it you could also replace the balance of the sash to make the window easier to open and close. It's not as difficult as you imagine to replace a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and a replacement kit. Rotten sill In time, the old timbers will become damaged and even the best-maintained windows made of sash will begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is limited to the sill, it may be possible to restore the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and even into the interior and has damaged structural parts it could be time to replace the window. It is important to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load bearing you may have to install temporary supports. After taking off the sill, clean any paint left on the sill plate. When the sill is clean, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs. A rotten sill may look ugly and could lead to costly repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash to move and can be difficult to detect and could result in cracks or broken glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill could allow water be able to enter the wall, which can cause mold and other problems. It's not as difficult as it seems to fix a damaged sill. To prevent rot you must keep the window free of debris and dirt. Apply a protective seal on the window frames to keep them dry. sash window repairs near me can also utilize a humidifier to control the humidity in your home. This will stop the wooden sashes from sticking or expanding. Sticky sashes are a frequent problem with sash windows. To fix them, you can apply small amounts of silicone spray or wax to the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use an utility knife to cut the paint layers and release the sashes. Reinstalling the parting beads is another method to get rid of a stuck sash. If the sash remains stuck, you can try draught-proofing it. This process involves placing strips of rubber in the spaces between the sash and frame which decreases air flow and enhances the acoustic performance of the window.