Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch elegance to any home. However, they can also be drafty and difficult to clean due to wear and age. Repairs to sash windows can be a great option for improving functionality and maintaining the original beauty. The first step in sash window repair is to remove the "pocket covers". These are small pieces of wood that are located at the bottom of the frame and let the weights in. Damaged sashes If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air, you'll need to do more than repair the surface. You will save money by doing a more thorough repair, particularly if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some of the most common issues with sash windows and the best way to fix them: Problems with Sticking If the sash does not fit well within the frame it's difficult to open or close the window. This can cause rattling sounds and allow drafts into your home. To resolve this solution, use a knife to cut the paint line on the inside side of the sash and remove it. Be careful not damage the wood. You'll then want to apply a sash oil, which will help it move along smoothly. Broken Sash Cords Some double-hung sashes from the past are made of metal or cotton supporting the weights used raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords could break, making it difficult to lift the sash up or keep it up. Follow these steps to fix it: Then, pull the sash to the right and take it off the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, cut it, and then remove any nails protruding from the end. Remove the nail using needle-nose pliers and then reinsert it into the side channel. Tuck the knot in the the hole and secure it using an nail set. Re-install the sash and then install the staff beads. Be sure to leave slack in the cords to allow for optimal operation. Finally, reinstall the balances and counterweights. To minimize draughts small amount of decorators caulk could be applied between the staff bead and the box. Glazing putty can be used to fix the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is usually made from linseed oil and chalk. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling the sash and painting the frame. Broken sash cords Old double-hung (two sashes) windows utilize chains made of metal or cotton that are attached to counterweights to help keep the sashes in balance within the window jamb. Over time, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening and closing, making it difficult to raise or lower the window. Repairing the sash cords is a simple home fix that can solve these issues in a matter of less than an hour. Take off the staff bead, which is what separates the upper and lower sashes. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-sash-window-repairs-near-me/ can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. A nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any nails that are rusty from the stop beads and scrub off any paint, caulk and old cord residue that has accumulated around the groove in the sash. To open the window, pull one of the cords that runs through the sash to raise it up. When you've made it the maximum distance you can, mark the cord in pencil and cut it with an ordinary knife. When you're done, make sure the new cord lines up with the groove in the sash and that it's tied to the frame of the sash by knotting it. If the sash is too high to move then you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and remove the old cords. Once the sash has been removed, you'll need to remove the access panel within the sash channel, which will expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, and the pulley system. If the window is painted, you might need to score the seams with an axe and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint. After you have removed the access panel there are two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Take the weights off the back and front, then connect the sash cords to the weights using self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, you'll need reattach the sash weights and then reset the pulley system to ensure that it is working correctly. Drafts Sash windows are a great option to add a touch of history to older homes. However they can be a challenge to maintain. They can be difficult to open or close, rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These issues can be caused by painted or swollen wood, or rotted sash cords. Fortunately, there are many easy and cost-effective ways to fix the problem and keep your windows operating effectively. The first step in repairing an old sash window is disassembling it. Remove the sash, as well as the frame, and check whether all parts are in good shape. Sand down the wood to make it look better and prevent drafts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can help the sash slide more easily. If the sash remains stuck, use an utility knife to cut any paint layers. The addition of a new set tilt pins can also help improve the window's functionality. Weights are pushed across pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of a sash window. These weights, which are usually made of cast iron, are accessible via an access panel or pocket located within the lining of the box. A dividing strip is placed within the window frame to keep the weights from colliding. The process of removing these weights can be tricky, as the upper sash is painted shut and can be nailed in the correct position. If you are diligent and cautious, you can pull the sash out with a pair of bar clamps that have been sliced apart. It may take a bit of tapping and jiggling to get it out, but once you have it out, be sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with new rope (not cotton) if necessary. While you're at the same time, you could also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close. Replacing the balance of a double-hung window is a lot easier than it is, and you can do it yourself with the proper tools and replacement kit. Rotten sill Over time, old timbers become damaged and even the best-maintained windows with sash can begin to begin to show signs of rot. If the rot is only affecting the sill of the window, it may be possible to repair it. If the rot has spread through the frame and even into the interior, and has damaged structural elements it could be time to replace the window. It is essential to replace a damaged window sill before it causes more damage to the window. The first step is to remove the sill plates and studs. If the studs are load-bearing you may have to build temporary supports. After removing the sill, clean off any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill, replace it with the new one and secure it to the studs. A rotten sill may be ugly and cause future costly repairs. It could, for instance cause the sash, that is hard to see to see, to move. This could lead to cracks, bowed or damaged glass pane. A rotten sill may also let water in the wall and cause mold. Replacing a rotten sill isn't as difficult as it sounds. To stop rot, you must keep the window clean and free of dirt and debris. Apply a sealant to the frames of the windows to keep them dry. In addition, you must use a dehumidifier in order to control the moisture levels within your home, which will stop wooden sashes from expanding or sticking. Sticking sashes are a common problem with sash windows. To fix them, you can apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax to the window tracks to help them slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to paint buildup, you could employ a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint and free 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 involves putting a rubber strip in the spaces between the sash and frame that reduces air flow and enhances the acoustic performance of the window.