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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch luxury to any house. They can become drafty and problematic as they get older. Sash window repairs can be a great option for improving functionality and maintaining the original beauty. The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove “pocket covers”. These are bits of wood, tucked away on the frame, which allow access to the weights. Sashes that have been damaged If your sash window has been damaged or leaking or leaking, you'll need to do more than just patch the surface. A more thorough repair job will save you money in the long run, particularly if you have a older house that has poor insulation. Here are some common problems with sash windows and the best way to fix them: Stuck Issues If the sash doesn't fit snugly within the frame, it will be difficult to open or close the window. This can result in rattling noises and allow drafts to enter your house. To get rid of this issue, use a utility knife to cut the paint line on the inner side of the sash, then pry it off. Be careful not to harm the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash grease that will make it move more easily. Broken Sash Cords Some double-hung sashes that are old have metal or cotton cords supporting the weights used to raise and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords can break, making it impossible to lift or hold the sash up. To fix this, follow these steps: Move the sash right and take it off the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, cut it, and then remove any nails sticking out from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers, then insert it back into the side channel. The knot should be tucked into the cord into the hole and secure it using the nail set. Re-install the sash and then install the beads for staff. Make sure you leave enough slack in the cords to allow for proper operation. Last but not least, put back the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent way to reduce the amount of draughts. Apply small amounts of caulk between the bead boxes for staff. Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash once it has been repaired. Glazing putty is typically made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make it workable and not stick to your hands. Let the putty dry completely before installing the sash again and painting the frame. Broken sash cords To balance and support the sashes of old double-hung windows (two sashes), cotton cords or chains are attached to the counterweights. Over time, the cords might break, preventing the sashes to open or close. This makes it difficult to raise the window or lower it. Repairing the sash cords is an easy home fix that can solve these issues in less than an hour. Take off the staff bead, which divides the upper and lower sashes. A nail is usually driven through the knot and into the side of the sash casing to secure the bead, however, you should be in a position to remove it using needle-nose pliers. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads and clean the caulk, old cord residue, and paint 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 to the maximum extent it can be then mark the cord with a pencil and then cut it into length with a knife. When you finish, make sure the new cord matches with the groove in the sash, and is secured to the sash frame by knotting it. If the sash isn't moving you can cut the cords with your side cutters. Once the sash is free, you'll need to remove the access panel inside the sash channel to expose the pockets of sash weights, counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If sash window replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk has been painted, you will need to score the seams with the hammer or chisel in order to remove the panel without damaging it. Once you've removed the access panel, you'll see the two cast-iron sash sash weights in each pocket. Remove the one on the back and one on the front. Then, tie each sash cord to a weight using self-tightening knot. After you have tied the new cords, reconnect the sashweights, and then reset the system to function properly. Drafts Sash windows add a touch of historical charm to older homes, but they also pose issues with their maintenance. They can be difficult or impossible to open and close and can be noisy in the winds, and letting drafts in. These problems can be caused by swollen or painted wood, or rotted sash cords. There are several easy and cost-effective ways to correct these issues and keep your sash window working correctly. Disassembling an old sash is the first step to repair it. Remove the sash, as well as the frame, and ensure that all components are in good shape. Next, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and prevent drafts. A small amount of wax or silicone spray can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck to the wall, use a utility knife to cut any paint layers. Adding a new set of tilt pins can also improve the window's operation. Weights are passed over a pulley system to counterbalance the weight of windows with sash. These weights, which are typically constructed of cast iron, are accessible via an access panel or pocket in the inner lining of the box. To stop the weights from colliding, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they do not collide. It isn't easy to reach these weights since the sash's upper part can be painted shut and fixed with nails. However, if you are diligent and cautious, you can remove the sash by using bar clamps, reversed to spread apart, to ease it out of its groove in the meeting rail. You may need to jiggle and tap to loosen it however, once it's gone, inspect the sash and replace it with new rope. While you're at the same time, you can also change the sash balance to make it easier to open and close. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is much easier than it sounds and you can do it yourself with the appropriate tools and a replacement kit. Rotten sill Even the best-maintained windows can eventually begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it could be possible to repair the window. If, however, it has progressed through the frame into the interior of the house and has caused structural damage it's likely time for a replacement. If you've found a decayed sill, it is important to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is to remove the sill plate that was previously installed and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support when the studs are weighing. After taking the old sill off and washing off any remaining paint from the sill plate. Once the sill is clean and dry, replace it with a brand new board and attach it to the studs. A sill that is rotten can be ugly and cause costly repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash to move and can be difficult to notice and can cause a cracked or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill may also allow water to get into the wall, causing mold. Replacing a sill that is rotten is not as hard as it may sound. It is crucial to maintain your window to avoid rot, therefore you should regularly clean the window tracks and sashes in order to keep them free from dirt and debris. Apply a sealant to the frames of the windows to keep them dry. Lastly, you should use a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture levels in your home. This can prevent wooden sashes from expanding or sagging. Sash windows are often afflicted by sashes that are stuck. To get them out of the way you can apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax to the tracks of your windows to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck because of the buildup of paint, you can employ a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint and release the sashes. Reinstalling the parting beads is another way to repair a sash that is stuck. If the sash remains stuck, you can consider draught-proofing it. This is done by placing an insulating strip of rubber in the spaces between the frame and the sash which decreases airflow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.