Window Sash Repairs
Many homeowners don't care about window sashes as long as they are closed, open, and keep outside air out and the inside air in. But over time, they can get worn out, leading to air leaks, drafts, or even sashes that stick.
With double glazed sash window propped on a homemade easel The artist works the glazing points into gaps. He also scrapes paint off and applies a wood preservative on the frame.
Sash Weights
If your windows are not opening and closing smoothly or are sluggish, a faulty counterbalancing system could be the reason. This could be due to a missing or damaged sash cord/chain as well as a misaligned or unattached sash weight, or a broken pulley.
The sashweights are small, rounded boxes made of cast iron that support the counter-weight system and support the sash. They are located in the bottom rails of every window frame, and are covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut open to reveal their location. The panels can be removed for access to the sash weight pockets to clean or repair them, or even replace them.
If you've been using sash windows for a long time, it's likely that you have a problem with the sash weights, which cause them to lean or catch. The weights may be too heavy (they should be slightly heavier than top sash) or installed incorrectly.
To address this issue, first pry off the stops (the trim along the inside edges of the window that joins the frame and keeps it in place) and set them aside. This requires you to be careful so as to not scratch the profile of your meeting rails. Then, you can use a hammer to separate the stiles and rails and check them for damage.
After inspecting the rails and stiles of the sash some dust sheets on the floor and start working. Begin by removing the wood pegs using a pin-punch and a hammer or screwdriver from the mortise-and tenon joints. After removing the pegs you can start disassembling the sash. Take off the stop moldings for sash and any sash cords still connected.
The next step is to weigh the sash in order to determine how much weight it needs for proper functioning. You can buy vintage replacement sashweights online or in some home improvement stores. Be sure to get the correct size to avoid over or under-weighting the sash.
Sash Cords
Sash cords that are worn out or broken can cause problems with sash windows. Sash cords are under constant pressure from the weights, which can cause them break over time, especially if they're not properly maintained. The sashes won't open or close as easily if cords break. The issue could be caused due to excessive force, aging or lack of maintenance or moisture buildup. It is crucial to replace the old cords during window sash repairs with new ones made of a material that is strong and resistant to moisture.
Begin by removing the interior stops, the thin strips of wood that keep the sashes together using a knife or a Chisel. Remove the stops carefully of the sashes while keeping an eye on any that are cracked or broken. Once the stops are removed, you can access the sash weights via an access panel cut into the frame's bottom or by opening the jamb and removing the weight pocket cover.
It may take a bit more effort to reach the sash cords but with the right tools and a bit of patience it is not difficult. First, remove the old cords by cutting them near their knots and pulling them free. Then, remove the sash from the frame and put it aside. When the sash is removed and you have pulled it down, grab the staff bead (the nail that stops the sash from falling) and then insert one nail that is about a foot long into the hole in the staff bead. This will stop the sash from falling as you string the counterweights.
After installing the upper sash again then reattach the sash cords and ensure that the sashes are in a balanced position and move smoothly. Reinstall the lower sash, and repeat the procedure. Verify that the sashes have been properly placed and are moving smoothly.
Reattach the sash cables once you have installed the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys, and then through the knot hole in the sash. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the sash, making sure that the sashes function normally again.
Drafts and air leaks
As time passes, the materials that connect sash windows to the home's frame deteriorate which can cause drafts and energy loss. A thorough inspection can reveal problem areas and guide the repair options for your window sash. Your personal preferences for comfort and your experience level determine whether you are able to handle window repair or require expert input. The scope of work required is also affected by the historic status of the property and its structural integrity.
If cold air is getting through a drafty window or window, your furnace will be forced to work overtime to warm your home. This inefficiency eats into your heating expenses and reduces the efficiency of your home's HVAC system. Moreover, drafts disrupt your indoor comfort and can degrade the quality of indoor air by pushing into the outdoor air pollutants, allergens, and humidity.
A typical indication of a drafty window is the feeling of cold air in your room regardless of all windows and doors being shut. Other indicators to look out for are an increase in temperature close to the window, as well as condensation around the sill or frame.
It is good to know that fixing drafty windows is a easy task that can cut your energy costs and enhance the indoor comfort. The first step is to inspect the exterior of the window. Find areas of unfinished caulking that is cracked or wood, which exposes the window to cold air.
Examine the sash's interface to the frame, including the parting bead and staff bead. Check the condition of weather stripping at these points (felt strips or tape) to determine if they are intact and working. If not, it's time to be replaced.
Then, think about the condition of glazing putty. It is a hard putty that holds panes glass in place. Look for cracks or crumbling that expose the sash to moisture which can lead to mold issues and damage to the glass of windows.
Apply a new layer of glazing putty on the outside of the window to fix the issue. To fix the glazing points, make use of a flat-bladed screwdriver push them into the right position. Wrap a fabric or piece and foam around each point. This will act as insulation against cold air.
Aesthetics
Window repair can give old windows a fresh new look with less expense than an entire window replacement. Especially for homeowners who have older homes, a complete replacement can be a big undertaking and a major cost. Sometimes, repairing windows sashes can help restore the original appeal of a home and increase its value as well.
It is essential to be aware of the condition and wear of window sashes to avoid major problems. If you're not sure whether your windows are in need of repair, it's a good idea to have them evaluated by a professional. A sash repair can be much cheaper than replacing the entire window. It can also save you money on energy bills.
The first step is to lower the upper sash to the bottom. This is usually simple and will allow you to see the "parting beads", which are a grooved part on the rails that keep the two sliding sashes separate. They can be removed by the help of a small pry-bar or a putty-knife. They are usually fixed in place and painted, so you must be careful not to damage them or the sliding sash.
After removing the beads that separate, you will need to remove the covers for your pockets. They are pieces of wood inside the frame, lower down, that allow access to sash weights and are normally fixed with nails - they may also be snagged with paint, so it is important to be careful. Once the nails are removed, you can move the sash up and down to ensure it moves easily.
If it doesn't, there could be a problem with the counterweights and sash cords. After you've checked all these, you can repair them as required.
Wooden windows have a natural look that blends seamlessly with traditional and contemporary interiors. They can also be customized with a wide range of colors and stain choices. However, wooden windows require regular maintenance to prevent damage and decay.