How to Repair a Sash Window
Experts agree that restoring old windows using sash is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than replacing them. So why not try it yourself?
Addressing issues like sticking sashes, draughts, noise pollution and visible damage will make your home more comfortable. Before you begin, think about these issues.
Damaged Sash Cords
When the cords that pull the sash upwards and down wear out, it becomes difficult to open or close the window. In some cases, the cords may even break. To repair this, sash cords must be replaced. This is a relatively easy repair for homeowners of all kinds and is usually accomplished within an hour or less in the case of just one lower sash.
Prepare your work space by covering the floor in a cloth. This will catch any debris that falls or loose nails as you take the window off. Wear a mask if you're working on an older house to protect yourself from lead paint dust.
Begin by taking off the stop beads, which are thin pieces of wood that line the inner window frame and stop the sash from sliding out of the window frame. Then remove the window sash and set it on a table or workbench. Then, you'll be able to access the pockets for weights, which are cast iron weights hidden behind the window frame. After you've removed the weights and the old sash cords can start replacing them with new ones.
First, take a measurement of the length of the old cord so that you know the length of your new cord. Knot the other end of the new cord to stop it from sliding over the pulley on which it was originally. You can now insert your new cord into the access hole you made in the panel cover. After that, you can reinstall the window sash and verify its operation.
Install the panel cover, the staff bead, and ensure that all nails are securely inserted into place. Make sure they're set below the surface level of the wood to prevent damaging the paint finish or limiting the sash's movements. If the sash still doesn't slide smoothly, you can seal the gap between the staff bead and the window using decorators caulk to minimize the draughts.
Once the caulk is dry then it's time to put back the sash and its trim. If you're not comfortable with tools, it's possible to have a professional repair company replace the sash's cords. This is a costly solution. Most homeowners will opt for to go with a DIY solution that involves replacing the cords themselves.
Broken Sash Weights
The sash cords might be damaged if the windows aren't closing or opening correctly. It is possible to make your windows work again by replacing the old sash cable.
Take off the screws that hold the beads in place with a screwdriver. Then remove the sash from the window frame. Open the access panels on the side jambs if there are any, to gain access to the sash pulleys and sash weights. Remove the sash carefully from the frame. If you can lay down dust sheets to protect the paintwork and wall paper.
Examine the pulleys and sashweights and sash to ensure they're in order. You may need to balance a sash that is heavy. You can purchase lead sashweights on the internet or at your local hardware store if don't already have them.
When you have the sash weights taken out of the pocket, cut off any slack in the cords. Then feed the new sash cord through the pulley, and out the other end of the channel to the sash. Then, pull the cord until it touches the weight. Tie a knot.
Repeat the process for the other cord. Then re-insert the sash into the window frame, making sure it is level. Replace the parting bead and staff bead if necessary and seal the gaps around them with decorators caulk.
The last step is to install the stopper for the interior of the sash. Get help from an expert if you're not sure what to do. Once you've reinstalled them test the windows to make sure they're in good in good working order. If they are, you can finish putting the window back together by replacing the window trim and access panel covers and painting any areas that were damaged or covered up during the repairs. Make sure the window is properly hung before completing the installation. Place the window on an appropriate scale and ensure that both sashweights are the same size. If they're not, you can use lead 'make up' weights to make sure that the sash is balanced.
Sashlocks that aren't functioning properly
A broken lock on the sash window is one of the more common reasons why a sash doesn't open or close properly. In some cases this can be a straightforward fix, however, in other instances it may require a full replacement of the lock. A faulty lock can also be a security concern because it allows burglars to gain access to your house.
The window locks are made to withstand the load, but can still wear over time. This is due to the hardware being placed under a lot of stress as well as the natural movement of the foundation. It is important to check for other problems that could be causing your window lock to fail.
A misaligned interlock is often the cause of the sash lock to not lock properly. A slight alignment error can prevent the keeper from engaging the latch, and thus preventing the door from closing. This sash window repair can be corrected by pushing the bottom sash into the room and lifting the top sash upwards.
Another reason that can cause an sash lock that does not work is the build-up of rust within the mechanism itself. Many older window frames are made from aluminum or wood and this can corrode over time. The corrosion can then connect the mechanisms and stop them from closing and opening properly.
In some instances it's necessary to replace the entire sash lock fastener which can be accomplished easily. This is a simple job that only requires some patience and a few tools. First, you'll need to take off the fastener, and then clean the surface of any debris or rust. Then, you can make use of a drill to create new holes for the screw and bolt. Then, screw the new fastener into place and ensure it is secure.
This is a simple task that can be completed by most homeowners, and will ensure your window is secure and secure. This is a great method to reduce air infiltration while making your home more energy efficient.
Broken Glass Panes
Glass panes are often broken by errant baseballs, lawnmower blades, and other debris. When this occurs, you need to decide whether to fix the glass pane or replace the entire window sash. Based on how damaged the glass is, you may be required to remove the glazing compound and the metal points. Wear gloves, a mask and wear protective eyewear when fixing damaged glass. It is also recommended to cover your floor with a drop cloth to prevent small glass particles from getting into your workspace and posing danger to children or pets.
Before you can replace the window pane you need to remove the old pane and scrape any caulking, or putty off the frame rabbets. These are the grooves within the frame where the glass is located. To avoid cracking your window, you may need to use an old chisel or a pull-type scraper to remove the putty. Heat guns can be used to soften old putty making it easier to remove. After you've removed your old pane as well as its glazing, sand the rabbets to smooth them. Then, apply a new caulking or glaziers' compound with the same dimensions as the original opening.
While the putty dry make sure the glass is prepared to be installed by cleaning and wiping it down with a damp sponge. If the glass is insulated then remove the insulation by cutting it off at the top and bottom of the pane using the help of a utility knife. You'll then have to take out the metal glazing points which hold it in place by hammering them or pulling them out with a putty knife.
To replace the glass pane, roll the glaziers compound into a rope approximately 3/4 inch thick. Press it firmly into the rabbet around edge of the glass and against the sash of wood. When you're done making sure there are no gaps or holes between the putty and the frame and the frame, fill them in with compound. Allow the putty to dry completely before painting the window. Make sure you wear gloves to protect yourself and cover the area you are working on with a drop cloth to keep it clean and shield yourself from broken glass shards.