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Sash Window Repair Sash windows offer an elegant style to any home. However, they can be problematic and drafty due to age or wear. Sash window repairs are a great method of improving functionality and maintaining the original appearance. The first step to repairing windows with sash is to remove “pocket covers”. These are pieces of wood that are placed low on the frame, that allow access to the weights. Sashes that have been damaged If your sash window has been damaged or leaks or leaking, you'll need to do more that just patch the surface. You can save money by completing a more thorough repair, especially if the home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues that sash windows face and the way to fix it: Sticking Issues It is difficult to shut or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit snugly into the frame. This could cause a rattling sound and allow drafts into your home. To fix this issue, use a utility knife to score the paint line on the inner side of the sash and pry it off. Be careful not to damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash oil that will help it move more easily. Broken Sash Cords Some double-hung sashes that are old have metal or cotton cords supporting the weights used lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break and make it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. To fix this issue, follow these steps: Move the sash right and remove it from the frame. Cut the cord on the bottom of the sash and remove any nails sticking out of the end. With needle-nosed pliers, take out the nail and then insert it into the side channel. Tuck the cord knot into the hole and secure it with a nail set. Install the staff beads and install the sash. Be sure to leave plenty of for the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Finally, reinstall the counterweights and balances. To minimize draughts small amount of decorators caulk may be placed between the staff bead and box. Glazing putty can be used to repair the sash once it has been repaired. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty workable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty completely dry before reinstalling the sash and painting the frame. Broken sash cords Old double-hung (two sashes) windows utilize chains made of metal or cotton connected to counterweights to support and keep the sashes balanced within the window jamb. Over time, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening or closing, making it difficult to lower or raise the window. The sash cords can be replaced in less than an hour. Begin by removing the staff bead, which separates the upper and lower sashes. You can take the bead off using needle-nose pliers. Normally, a nail is inserted through the knot into the sash's casing to hold it in place. Remove any rusty nails from the stop beads and clean off paint, caulk, and old cord traces around the groove in the sash. To open the window pull one of the cords through the sash. Once you've pulled it as far as it will go make a mark on the cord using a pencil and cut it into length with a knife. When you're done making sure that the new cord lines up with the groove of the sash and is connected to the frame with a knot. If the sash is too high to move it, you can use sharp side cutters to cut and eliminate the old cords. Once sash windows repair repairmywindowsanddoors is free you'll need to take off the access panel in the sash channel to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window is painted you may need to score the seams with a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint. Once you've removed your access panel, you can see the two sash weights made of cast iron in each pocket. Remove the weights from the front and back and connect the sash cords to the weights using a self tightening knot. After tying the new cords, it is necessary to connect the sash weights again and reset the pulley mechanism to ensure that it is working correctly. Drafts Sash windows are a fantastic way to add a touch historical charm to older homes. However they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult or even impossible to close and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by wind, and letting drafts through. These problems are usually caused by swollen wood paint buildup, sash cords that have rotted. There are a variety of inexpensive and cost-effective methods to repair the problem and keep your sash windows working effectively. The first step to repair an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash, and frame, and make sure whether all parts are in good order. Then, sand the wood to improve its appearance and prevent draughts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can make the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers to release it. A new set of tilt-pins can enhance the window's performance. Weights are pushed across pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of the sash window. These weights, typically made of cast iron can be accessed through an access panel or pocket located in the inner lining of the box. To prevent the weights from falling down, the dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure that they do not collide. Accessing these weights is tricky, as the upper sash is sealed and is nailed into place. If you're diligent and cautious you can easily remove the sash using a pair of bar clamps, reversed so that they break apart, allowing it out of the groove in the rails that meet. It may take a few jiggling and tapping to get it free, but once you have it out, be sure to examine the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) If you need to. While you're at it, you can also change the sash balance to make it easier to open and close. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is much easier than it sounds, and you can do it yourself with the proper tools and replacement kit. Rotten sill Over time, old timbers deteriorate and even the best-maintained windows with sash can begin to begin to show signs of decay. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it could be possible to fix it. However, if it has spread through the frame to the interior of the house and has damaged structural members it's probably time for a replacement. It is important to replace a damaged window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is to take off the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load bearing you may have to build temporary supports. After taking the old sill off and cleaning any remaining paint from the sill plate. After the sill has been cleaned and dry, replace it with a brand new board and nail it to the studs. A sill that is rotten can be unsightly and lead to future costly repairs. It could, for instance, cause the sash, that is hard to see to see, to move. This could lead to a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. A sill that is rotten may let water in the wall and cause mold. It's not as difficult as you think to replace a rotten sill. To prevent rot you must keep the window clean and free of debris and dirt. You should also apply a protective seal on the window frames to shield them from moisture. In addition, you must use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels in your home, which can stop wooden sashes from swelling or sticking. Sash windows are usually plagued by stuck sashes. To get them out of the way, you can apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray to the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use a utility knife to cut the paint layers and remove the sashes. Reinstalling the parting beads is another method to repair a sash that is stuck. If the sash remains stuck, you can try draught proofing it. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the frame and the sash. This reduces airflow and improves the acoustic properties.