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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can add a stylish style to any home. Nevertheless, they can be drafty and uncomfortable due to age or wear. Repairing sash windows is a great method to increase the functionality and maintain the original appeal of your windows. The first step in sash window repair is to remove the “pocket covers”. These are pieces of wood, tucked away on the frame, that allow access to the weights. Sashes damaged by abrasions If your windows' sash are damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to go beyond patch up the surface. Doing a thorough repair will save you money in the long run, especially if you have a older home that is not well-insulated. Here are some typical sash window problems and how to repair them: Problems with Sticking If the sash isn't fitted well within the frame it may be difficult to open or close the window. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts into your home. To fix this issue you can use a utility knife to cut the paint line on the interior side of the sash, then pry it off. Be careful not to harm the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash lubricant, that will help it move smoothly. Broken Sash Cords Some double-hung sashes that are old are made of metal or cotton supporting the weights used lift and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise or keep the sash up. Follow these steps to fix the problem: Pull the sash to the right and take it off the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, cut it and take out any nails protruding from the end. Utilizing needle-nosed pliers remove the nail and then insert it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it with an nail set. Install the beads on the staff and then install the sash. Be sure to leave plenty of slack on the cords to ensure the proper operation. Then, you can reinstall the balances and counterweights. To reduce draughts, a small amount of decorators caulk could be applied between the bead of the staff and the box. After the frame and sash are repaired completely, cover them in glazing putty. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil as well as chalk. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the sash or painting the frame. Broken sash cords To support and balance the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes) cotton cords or chains are affixed to counterweights. Over time, the cords may break, preventing the sashes from opening and closing and makes it difficult to lower or raise the window. The sash cords can be replaced in less than hour. Begin by removing the staff bead that divides the upper and lower sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot, and then into the side of the sash casing to secure the bead, but you should be in a position to remove it with needle-nose pliers. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads and clean off caulk, paint, and old cord traces around the sash groove. To open the window, pull on one of the cords that run through the sash to lift it up. Once you've pulled it as far as it will be, mark the cord with pencil, and then cut it to length using an utility knife. After you've finished, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove of the sash. Also, tie it to the sash with the knot. If the sash remains too high to move it, you can use sharp side cutters to cut off and remove the old cords. When the sash is completely free you'll need to take off the access panel within the sash channel, which will expose the pockets for sash weights, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you will have to cut the seams using a hammer or chisel in order to remove the panel without damaging it. After removing the access panel, there are two sashweights made of cast iron in each pocket. Take the weights off the back and front and tie the sash cords to the weights using a self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, you can reattach the sashweights, and then reset the system to work properly. Drafts Sash windows are an excellent option to add a touch of historical charm to older homes. However they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open or close, rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These problems are often caused by swelling of the wood, paint buildup or sash cords that have rotted. There are many easy and cost-effective ways to fix the problem and keep your sash windows working effectively. Disassembling an old sash is a first step to repairing it. Remove the sash, as well as the frame, and ensure that all parts are in good order. Sand the wood to make it appear better and stop drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use a utility knife to cut through any paint layers and free it. Adding a new set of tilt pins can also improve the window's performance. Weights are pushed across a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of windows with sash. These weights are usually cast iron and can be accessed from an access panel or pocket cover in the inner box lining of the frame. To stop the weights from crashing down, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure they don't collide. It can be difficult to reach these weights because the sash on top can be sealed with paint and then put in place. If you're diligent and cautious you can take off the sash by using bar clamps, reversed so that they disperse, to ease it out of the groove in the rails that meet. It could take a little bit of jiggling and tapping to get it out, but once you have removed it, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) If you need to. You can also alter the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is a lot easier than it seems and you can do it yourself using the appropriate tools and a replacement kit. Rotten sill Eventually, old timbers will become damaged and even the best-maintained windows with sash can begin to exhibit signs of rot. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it might be possible to fix the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and even into the interior, and damaged structural parts it could be time to replace the window. It is crucial to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to remove the old sill plate as well as studs. You may need to install temporary support when the studs are weighing. After you have removed the sill, take off any remaining paint on the sill plate. When the sill is clean and dry, replace it with a brand new board and nail it to the studs. A stained sill is not just unsightly but can also lead to expensive repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash to shift, which can be difficult to spot and could result in a cracked or bowed glass pane. Additionally, upvc double glazed sash windows decayed sill could allow water to get into the wall which can cause mold and other problems. Replacing a damaged or rotting sill is not as hard as it sounds. It is vital to maintain your window to avoid rot. Therefore, you must regularly clean the window tracks and sashes in order to keep them free from dirt and debris. Install a seal of protection on the window frames to keep them dry. You can also apply a humidifier to regulate the humidity in your home. This will prevent wooden sashes from forming or swelling. Sash windows are often plagued by sashes that have become stuck. You can fix this problem by applying a small amount wax or silicone to the window tracks. This will allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of paint buildup, you can make use of a utility knife cut through the layers of paint and free the sashes. Another way to solve a sticking sash is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash is sticking, you can also try draught-proofing it. This involves putting a rubber strip in the gaps between the frame and sash which decreases air flow and enhances the acoustic performance of the window.