It's Time To Expand Your Sash Window Repair Options
Tips For Sash Window Repair
Sash windows that rattle or leak require repair. Draughts, rotting woods, misaligned rails, and sashweights are all issues that need attention.
First, Pam beds each pane of glass in an emulsion of glazing compound. Then she secures it using pins instead of glazier's points to prevent breakage.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is a thin, flexible strip of material used to cover the edges of doors and windows when they are closed. It blocks outside air as well as the toxins it carries. It prevents drafts from entering the gaps and making your home too cold or letting outside noise in. You can purchase ready-to use weather stripping in rolls of various dimensions, or you can cut the material to size to fit the window sashes.
Apply the strip between the meeting bar and sash for windows with a single hung. Apply the same method to the upper and lower sashes. Install the same strips along the frame's side to avoid rattling.
Double-hung windows need two sets of weather strips two on each side. You may also have to install strips to the inside of the frame near the bottom. The strips prevent the window from slamming shut and also prevent dust and insects from blowing through the space between the jamb and sash.
Before installing the weatherstripping, clean the frame using mild soap and warm water. Dry it with a soft cloth. Remove any old paint and caulk the interior stops with a utility knife. Make use of a putty blade to protect the frame and carefully pull the stops apart. Replace the weather stripping.
The new weather stripping must be flexible enough to let the sash move freely, but firm enough to stay in position when the sash is closed. Adhesive-backed foam tape is a common option. It's easy to use and is available in a variety of thicknesses to meet different requirements. Additionally, you can use door sweeps available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit all types of doors and windows.
As you are preparing to install the new strip, make sure you compare the tabs of metal on the new sash with the tabs on your old sash. If the tabs have a different design, they will not fit into the slot on the frame of the window. You'll have to take off the sash completely before starting again. Individual replacements for sash don't cost much, so a total window replacement shouldn't be an expensive disaster.
Sash Cords
If you're replacing sash cords, start by removing the outer parting beads thin strips of wood that separate the inside and outer window frame. If they're nailed, a hammer with nail sets will work. Make sure you put a tarp down, since sash windows can be messy and you'll be causing damage to paint and possibly rotting wood, particularly in older homes. Wear a mask, as dust may contain lead.
Then remove the upper cord and sash. If you are not replacing the cords, cut them and tie them up to prevent them from slipping through the holes. If you are replacing them, take off the nail that holds each cord to the sash. Then pull out the nails holding each cord to the sash. If the pockets are still in place on either side of the frame, you can remove them using a nail set or a Crowbar. You will probably also have to scrape off some of the old sash material.
When the pockets are completely free, you can remove the sash that covers the frame and be aware of the channels on both sides of the frame where sash cords run through. If you're putting in new sash cords, opt for cotton ones. Synthetic cords stretch out and become sagging, whereas cotton ropes last longer. You'll need to ensure that you have the correct amount of weight per sash. You can weigh them on a kitchen scale to make sure however, the weights should be approximately half the size of the sash.
Reset the tilt pin, if it's still in place. To do this, you'll have to lift the lower sash a little. Be careful not to let it fall. Relock the pin. Then, insert the new sash balance (the tube that holds the weights) and you're done! Make sure to verify the tilt pin, and relock it on the upper sash.
Parting Beads
Parting beads (vertical wood strips that hold the lower sash in place) and staff beads are integral parts of a window sash. They are used to hold the weights of windows made of sash, prevent water from entering and create the seal. If they are damaged or in poor condition they can cause excessive rattle and draughts.
Use a sharp knife and cut along the paint joint between the parting beads and box window frames. Gently prise the parting beads out of their narrow grooves - they are designed to be a snug fit but may have been nailed in place, so check for screws or nails. Remove any sash cords that were nailed to the wall.
After you have removed the parting bead then you can take out the lower sash from both sides and remove the meeting bar (which overlaps with the bottom sash in a double-hung sash). The meeting rail can be removed of the frame in order for you to see the windows.
You can clean the sash windows and re-attach any sash furniture/ironmongery, lubricate the pulley axles & test the operation of the window. If you have difficulty lifting or closing the window, it might be worth looking at alternative sash balance systems. They are discussed in a different article.
To make the sash windows weatherproof apply draught strip and paint (with a good quality oil-based primer). Or, sand the windows down to smooth and re-apply multi-purpose putty. Apply a small amount 'fronting putty' in the place where the glass rebates meet the internal upstand of the sash. In the front of the putty using a fillet to create a smooth edge. Finish by a few millimeters lower than the sightline. Replace the sash cables, re-tie any knots that must be tied, and rehang the window. Consider using white 6mm braided marine rope / cord because it will last longer than cheap cords that stretch over time. This will also decrease the opening distance of the sash window making it easier to close.
Glass
Most homeowners don't take the time to spend much time contemplating the mechanical operation of their windows However, they are happy when they can open and close quickly and keep the air from outside out and the inside air in. If sash windows have problems however, it can be costly to repair them or replaced completely. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to save money without the expense of new window installation.
You can replace the glass in your sash windows by similar designs that match the traditional style of your home. Laminated glass is a great option to protect your family from broken glass shards and reduce the transmission of ultraviolet radiation. You can also choose patterns or texture glass. This will provide privacy while still permitting natural light to enter the space. Draught-proof strips are also available to boost the efficiency of your energy use and decrease noise pollution.
It is not unusual for windows with sash to become difficult to move because they have warped over the years. This can happen because of the build-up of moisture and fluctuating humidity that causes wood to expand and contract at various rates. This can cause the sash over time to swell and become discolored. It may also be difficult to close and open.
The first step to take is to ensure that the sash frame is in good shape. If there is a lot of moisture and the wood is rotting or sagging, it will require repair before anything else can be done. This is a job for professional window contractors, and can be very expensive.
The next step is to replace a pane of glass after the frame of the sash is examined. The sash can be left in place to do this, but it's much easier to remove it and work on the table. First, take off any glazing points, as well as the glue that holds the glass in place. Wear protective clothing during this task. Next, a worker can cut new glass to the size required and place it inside the frame using a glazing hammer. double glazing window repairs is important to use the correct tools for cutting glass due to its toughness and the fact that it is susceptible to shattering or cracking.