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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch of class to any home. However, they can be drafty and uncomfortable due to wear and age. Repairs to sash windows are a great way of making them more functional and preserving the original elegance. The first step in sash window repair is to take off the “pocket covers”. These are bits of wood, tucked away on the frame, which allow access to the weights. Damaged sashes If your sash window has been damaged or leaks it is necessary to do more that just patch the surface. Performing a more comprehensive repair can save you money in the long run, especially when you live in an older house that has poor insulation. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to fix it: Sticking Issues It will be difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit tightly into the frame. This could cause rattling sounds and let drafts into your home. To resolve this you can use a utility knife to score the paint line on the interior side of the sash. Then pry it off. Be careful not to damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash oil that will allow it to move more easily. Broken Sash Cords In some cases, old double-hung sashes utilize cotton or metal cords to support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords can break, making it difficult to raise or keep the sash in place. Follow these steps to fix the problem: Then, pull the sash to the right and then remove it from the frame. Cut the cord on the bottom of the sash, and then remove any nails sticking out of the end. Remove the nail using needle-nose pliers and then reinsert it into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the cord into the hole and secure it using an nail set. Install the sash again and add the staff beads. Be sure to leave plenty of space on the cords to ensure that they are in good working order. Install the counterweights and balances. Decorators caulk is a great method to minimize the risk of draughts. Apply small amounts between the staff bead box. After the frame and sash are fully repaired, bed them in glazing putty. Glazing putty can be made by mixing chalk and linseed. Mix in enough chalk to make it workable, and not stick to your hands. Let the putty completely dry before installing the sash again and painting the frame. Broken sash cords Old double-hung (two sashes) windows are made of chains made of metal or cotton that are attached to counterweights to help keep the sashes in balance in the window jamb. As time passes, the chains may break, preventing the sashes from opening or closing and makes it difficult to raise or lower the window. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than a few hour. Remove the staff bead which separates the upper from lower sashes. A nail is typically driven through the knot, and then into the side of the sash casing to hold the bead in place however, you should be capable of removing it with needle-nose pliers. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads and clean the caulk as well as the old cord residue and paint around the sash groove. To open the windows, pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've pulled it as far as it will go make a mark on the cord using a pencil and then cut it into length with a utility knife. After you've finished, ensure that the new cord is aligned with the groove of the sash and is tied to the frame of the sash by knotting it. If the sash still isn't moving, cut the cords using side cutters. Once the sash has been removed it is necessary to remove the access panel within the sash channel to expose the pockets for sash weights, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window has been painted, you'll have to cut the seams using a hammer or chisel in order to remove the panel without damaging it. Once you've removed your access panel, you'll see the two sash weights made of cast iron inside each pocket. Remove the weights from the front and back and then tie the sash cords onto the weights with a self-tightening knot. After you've tied the new cords, reattach the sashweights, and then reset the system to work correctly. Drafts Sash windows are a fantastic way to add a touch historical charm to older homes. However repairmywindowsanddoors can be a challenge to maintain. They can be difficult or impossible to shut and open with a smooth, quiet operation. They can also be rattled by winds, and letting drafts in. These problems are often caused by swollen wood or paint buildup, or sash cords that have become rotted. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective solutions to address these issues and keep your sash window functioning effectively. The first step in repairing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Remove the sash and the frame, and ensure that the components are in good condition. Sand down the wood to make it appear better and prevent drafts. A small amount of silicone or wax can make the sash slide more easily. If the sash is still stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. The addition of a new set tilt pins can also help improve the window's functionality. A sash window operates by compensating the weight of the glass with the help of weights that are pushed through the pulley system. These weights are usually cast iron and are accessible via an access panel or pocket cover located inside the inner box lining of the window frame. To stop the weights from falling down, an dividing strip is hung within the frame to ensure that they do not collide. It isn't easy to get these weights out, since the sash's upper part can be sealed with paint and then fixed with nails. However, if you are cautious and patient you can take off the sash using a pair of bar clamps that are reversed and disperse, to ease it out of its groove in the rail that connects it. It may take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it out but once you've got removed it, make sure to check the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) If you need to. You can also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and shut the window. It's a lot easier than you think to replace a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and replacement kit. Rotten sill Eventually, old timbers will get worse and even the most well-maintained windows made of sash will begin to exhibit signs of rot. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it could be possible to fix it. If it has gotten into the frame to the interior of the house and has damaged structural members it's probably time for a replacement. It is essential to replace a rotten window sill before it causes further damage to the window. The first step is to remove the old sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After removing the sill, remove any paint left on the sill plate. After the sill has been cleaned then replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs. A rotten sill may be unsightly and lead to future expensive repairs. It could, for instance cause the sash which is difficult to notice to see, to move. This can result in cracks, bowed or damaged glass pane. A rotten sill can allow water to get into the wall, causing mold. Replacing a sill that is rotten isn't as difficult as it might sound. To stop rot, you must keep the window free of debris and dirt. Also, you should apply a protective seal to the window frames to protect them from moisture. You can also use a humidifier to control the humidity inside your home. This will prevent wooden sashes sticking or swelling. Sticking sashes are a common issue for windows with sash. To resolve them it is possible to apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax to the tracks of your windows to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup you can use a utility knife to cut through the paint layers and remove the sashes. Reinstalling the parting beads is another way to fix a stuck sash. If the sash is still stuck it is possible to try to draught proof it. This involves putting a strip of rubber between the frame of the sash and the sash. This will reduce airflow and improves the acoustic properties.