Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can become severely damaged due to neglect and age. While cosmetic damage is likely to need to be repaired but functional issues with a window such as draughts and rattles indicate the window's repair is in order.

Steam the sash first to loosen it. Remove the wood pegs using pin punch and hammer. Mark and identify all components to ensure they can later be replaced properly.

Broken or Rotten Wood

If left unattended, rotting wood can cause damage to the brickwork around windows and damage the plaster. The good part is that most of the time, this issue can be rectified without having to replace the window completely.

The first thing to be done is to make sure that the timber in the question is dry. It's important to look at the grain and colour of the wood to determine if it is solid and unaffected by damp. If the wood appears soft and brown it's likely that it has rot. It is also worth determining if the sash is being held in place by a number of spliced sections of timber and that these are sound and not impacted by damp.

Another issue that is frequently encountered is the accumulation of moisture in the corners of frames for sash. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. The solution to this is to clean the sash channels, and then remove any obstruction with the sharp edge of a wood chisel. Once the sash channel has been cleared free of debris it can be primed in order to prevent future damp problems.

Finally, it's also worth looking at the wood used to construct the window frame. It is recommended to choose timber that has a similar grain and colour to the existing pieces of wood or Repairs To Double Glazed Windows else it will be difficult to join the joins. You may also want to think about using a wood preserver, which will aid in keeping the wood in good condition and stop the wood from rotting.

If the timber of your sash window is severely damaged and rotten it might be advisable to replace it entirely. It's important that you choose an alternative window that is in the same style of your windows in order to ensure that they look as great once they're installed. The choice of UPVC over timber for instance, can lower the value of your home as prospective buyers might think you're ignoring the traditional style.

Insecure Sash Hardware

A sash window is made to move effortlessly, however often, wood rot and other issues can hinder its functionality. A poorly functioning window may also cause drafts in the house and a loss of energy efficiency. The longer you leave a sash window unattended it will begin to wear out more quickly. This can decrease its lifespan and lead to water or moisture infiltration.

If a sash window isn't functioning properly it can be a frustrating experience and difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem. The good news is, in many situations, a replacement of the sash could be the solution. If the issue is due to rotting timber, a misalignment or imbalance of the sash, or even broken glass replacement of one or both windows can aid in solving the issue.

Replacing just a single window sash is less costly than replacing the entire frame and glass. It is also simpler than installing a new double-hung window, which requires the removal of a larger amount of trim and parts. It is possible to begin by visually inspecting your existing window and frame if you wish to replace the sash. You might notice gaps or misalignment, which could cause the sash to tilt and prevent it from staying up.

In the majority of cases, it is possible to repair a double-hung local window repair if you remove the trim and work from the inside. The first step is to remove the sash stops inside, which create tracks on the inside of the bottom window. Spray the water hose on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, you can pry the stop away using a utility blade. After that, using a razor Repairs to double Glazed windows blade, you can cut off any nails protruding from the back of the stop's interior.

If yours doesn't have one, you can create an access hole by cutting a rectangle in the jamb liners made of vinyl to the height of the sash stile. If yours doesn't have one, you can make an access hole by cutting a rectangular cut in the vinyl jamb liners to the width of the stile for the sash.

Faulty Sash Weights

Over time, the two weights that move the sash up and down may become disconnected. This can cause the sash to jam or get stuck in an open position. This is caused by damaged or worn-out cords for sash that must be replaced.

In the course of this repair it is essential to lay dust sheets wherever you can to keep any debris or dirt from getting into your furniture or carpet. This is particularly important if you plan to move and lift the window while working repairs to double Glazed windows avoid damaging any area of your home.

Begin by carefully removing each staff bead from the frame on either side using a thin, broad chisel. There should be a groove running along each side of the sash that eventually ends with the knot hole in which the new cord for the sash will be positioned. Be sure to take out any old cord knots that are nailed or screwed into the hole.

Start by replacing the top sash cord. To do this, gently lower the sash up until it is in contact with the bottom sill and support it by placing a wedge on either side of the frame, otherwise it may drop repairs to double glazing windows the floor and break the glass, something you'll would prefer not to have!

Then, take off the access panel from the frame and then retrieve the sash weight and repairman sash cable. Once you have the weight in hand, remove the dado off the edge of the wood and insert the nail to secure it. Use a nail long enough to reach the sash's pocket otherwise it won't fit.

Once you have the weight set, you can then replace the sash cord by feeding it into the hole. Then, push the sash over the rails, then down into the windowbox, and test whether it opens or closes. If needed, add more lubrication on the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl, or candle wax for wooden sashes).

If you're replacing both cords make sure they are identical in length to the old ones were, so when you release one from its pin it will fall easily through the sash to rest at the pulley, and then function normally. Once the sash is re-hung you can reattach the stop bead and your sash is complete!

Damaged Glass

A baseball, a broom or a stone that is thrown by a lawnmower can be enough to break the glass. This shattered window glass allows rain, snow and insects to enter the home. In some instances the resultant damage could require a complete replacement of the window. Installing new windows is an expensive and time-consuming home improvement task. In most instances, replacing individual broken window panes is a more affordable option and cheaper.

Before installing new glass, it's important to ensure that you examine the sash thoroughly. This is an opportunity to identify any previously hidden areas where the wood is beginning to decay or where the old glue, weather stripping and hardware have become damaged. This inspection will save you time and money in the future.

After removing the glass it is recommended to have the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. To make it, mix equal parts mineral spirits and Linseed oil. After mixing apply the mixture to the sash's surface with a putty blade and let it dry completely. This will ensure that the new glass and sash are waterproof and long-lasting over time.

If the sash is in good condition, you can fix it without removing the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop. It's a vertical wood piece that is situated over the stiles of the window frame. It is typically held in place with a small pry bar that is placed over a stiff-bladed knife. After you have removed the stop, you can separate the rails and stiles using the woodworking hammer or a soft-faced hammer. This will avoid damaging the profile. The next step is to remove the muntins. These are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that make up each glass pane within a shash.

After the muntins have been removed, it's simple to replace the glass that has been broken. Use glazing compound to secure the tabs of metal in their slots on the sash.