Window Sash Repairs
Most homeowners don’t pay much attention to window sashes, as long as they’re capable of being opened and closed and keep the air inside and the outside air out. But with time, they’ll begin to wear out, causing drafts, air leaks or even sticking sashes.
The artist uses the sash which is propped up on an easel for working glazing points into the gap. He also scrapes paint off the frame and then applies a wood preserver.
Sash Weights
If your windows are not opening and closing smoothly or are sluggish the way they should, a defective counterbalancing system could be the cause. It could be caused by an ailing or damaged sash chain or a sashweight that is not aligned properly or not attached to a sashweight, or a broken or damaged pulley.
The sashweights are small boxes made of cast-iron, which balance the counter-weight system and support the sash. They are located in the bottom rails of each window frame, and are covered by a wooden access panel that can be removed to reveal their whereabouts. The panels can be removed to gain access to the pockets of sash weights for cleaning, repairs or replacement.
You may have problems with the sashweights, if you’ve had your windows with sash windows for over a period of time. They might be sagging or catch. The weights could be too heavy (they should be a little heavier than the top Sash Window Repair), or installed incorrectly.
To resolve this issue take out the stops (the trim that runs along the inside of the window at the point that it joins with the frame to keep it in place). Place them aside. This requires you to be careful so as to not damage the profile of your meeting rails. Then, you can employ a hammer to break the rails and stiles, and inspect them for damage.
After examining the stiles and rails of the sash, place dust sheets on the floor and begin working. Begin by removing the wood pegs using a pin-punch and a hammer or screwdriver from the mortise-and tenon joints. Once the pegs are gone you can begin to disassemble the sash by removing the double glazed timber sash windows stop moldings and removing any sash cord knots still connected, and then taking the sash off itself.
The next step is to weigh the sash and determine how much weight is needed for its proper functioning. You can purchase old-fashioned replacement sashweights online or at some home improvement stores. Be sure to get the correct size to avoid under or over-weighing the sash.
Sash Cords
The majority of sash window problems result from damaged or worn sash cords. Sash cords are constantly under pressure from the weights, which could cause them to break over time, especially when they’re not maintained properly. If the cords break, sashes will not be able to open and close easily. The issue could be caused due to excessive force, aging or lack of maintenance or the accumulation of moisture. During window sash repairs, it’s important to replace window sashes the old cords with new ones that are made from an material that lasts and resist moisture.
Start by removing the internal stop strips, thin wood strips which hold the sashes in their place with a utility knife and a chisel. Pry the stops off the sashes with care and be on the lookout for cracked or broken ones. After removing the stops you can gain access to the sashweights by opening the jamb or removing the weight pocket.
It requires a bit of work to reach the sash cords but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s not difficult. Remove the old cords first by cutting them at their knots and then pulling them out. Then, you can remove the sash from the frame and set it aside. Remove the staff bead, which is the nail that keeps the sash in its place. Install the nail about a foot length into the hole. This will stop the sash from slipping away while you string the counterweights.
After reinstalling the upper sash and sash cords, reconnect them 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 are 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 on the sash. Repeat this procedure on both sides of the sash, making sure that the sashes function as they should again.
Air and drafts Leaks
As time passes, the materials that connect sash windows to the frame of your home deteriorate creating drafts and loss of energy. A thorough inspection will identify the problem areas and assist you in determining your window sash repairs options. Your level of comfort and skill level will determine whether you are able to self-manage or require assistance from a professional for window repair. The scope of work required is also influenced by the historic status of the property and its the structural strength.
If cold air is getting in through a drafty door or window, your furnace will be forced to work harder to heat your home. This inefficiency can eat into your heating expenses and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system. In addition, drafts affect your indoor comfort and can degrade indoor air quality by forcing into the outdoor air pollutant, allergens, and humidity.
A common sign of a drafty window is the feeling of cold air in your room regardless of windows and doors being shut. Other signs to look for are an increase in the temperature of your home near the window and condensation around the frame or sill.
Fixing drafty windows can be an easy task that will lower your energy bills and increase comfort inside. The first step is to inspect the exterior of the window. Look for areas of bare 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. Examine the condition of the weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these locations to determine if it’s intact and functional. If not, it’s going to need to be replaced.
Take a look at the condition of the glazing putty. It is a tough putty used to hold panes of glass tempered in place. Check for cracks and crumbling that could expose the sash’s surface to moisture. This can lead to problems with mold and damage to the glass.
Apply a new layer of glazing putty on the inside of the window to correct the problem. With a flat-blade screwdriver push the glazing points into position to fix them. Wrap a piece of fabric and then foam around each point. This acts as an insulation against cold air.
Aesthetics
Window repair can give old windows a fresh new look at a lower cost than an entire window replacement. Particularly for those who have older homes, a full replacement sash windows cost can be a big undertaking and a major financial commitment. In many cases, fixing window sashes can bring back the original beauty of a house and increase its value as well.
It is crucial to keep an eye on the condition and wear of window sashes in order to avoid major issues. It is recommended to speak with an expert if you’re unsure if your windows need repair. A sash repair can be much cheaper than replacing the entire window. It can also save you money on energy costs.
The first step is to lower the upper sash down to the bottom. This is usually easy and allows you to see the “parting beads” that are the grooved bits on the rails at the junction which keep the two sliding sashes separated. You can remove them using the blade of a small bar or a putty knife they are usually nailed into place and stuck with paint, so you have be careful not to scratch them or the sash.
After you have removed the parting beads, you’ll have to remove the pockets. These are bits of wood inside the frame, low down which allow access to the sash weights. They are usually attached with nails. They can also be stuck with paint so you need be cautious. After the nails have been removed then you can move the sash upwards and downwards to ensure it moves easily.
If it doesn’t it could be a problem with the counterweights or sash cords. Once you’ve checked all of these, you can fix them if needed.
Wooden windows are beautiful and natural that blends with both traditional and contemporary style interiors. The options for staining and painting are endless. Wooden windows require regular maintenance in order to keep them from rotting and damage.