Sash Window Repairs If sash windows aren't maintained properly, they could become ineffective. This can cause drafts, energy loss and moisture damage. Paint can crack and peel, leaving the wood exposed to the elements. Expert joiners can repaint or restore the stain, repairing any damage and securing it for the future. An easel is a helpful tool for working on sash windows as it gives you a solid base to work from. A quality scraper is important. Broken or Worn Sash Cords As time passes, sash cables are prone to becoming weak. They can snap or break. This is often caused by a problem with the window itself or broken pulleys. However, it could also happen when the sash is shut and opened repeatedly. If this happens the sash is likely to be difficult to move upwards and downwards without causing friction or requiring a lot of effort. To fix damaged sash cable open the window. Find the parting bead. This is an elongated piece of wood that separates upper and lower sashes. With the screwdriver, gently pull the bead off of the frame. After removing the bead, you can begin to remove the sash. Once the sash has been removed, you'll need to locate the two cast iron weights that are stored in pockets on either side. Typically, one is located in the back (towards the exterior side of the window frame) and another in front (towards the interior side of the frame). Take both weights off and set them in a separate area. Once you have removed the counterweights, take off the access panel from the sash channel. You may require screws or a chisel to remove the panel depending on the kind of window you have. Once the panel is removed, you will be in a position to see the coiled spring that helps retract the sash cords. If it is not working correctly, you will notice the window trying to move, or feel a slight resistance. Re-coiling the spring will fix this issue. Once the spring is re-coiled you can secure it using a piece cord. This is vital because a loose knot may cause the cords to break and not retract when needed. Once the cords are tied and secured, replace the access panels and jambliner and put the sash back in place. Check that the new cords are long enough and securely tied. After that, you are able to put the sash cords back into the slots and holes on the sides of the lower sash and put the counterweights back into their pockets. You can test your work by sliding the sash upwards and downwards to make sure it moves smoothly and without issues. Drafts and air leaks Sash windows are often plagued by air leaks and drafts due to age and damage to the window, or just poor construction. Although these issues are usually a sign of windows that are ready to be replaced but they are also repairable or repaired with a bit of effort. One of the most common air leak and draft issues is caused by worn weather stripping or no weather stripping even. Foam tape or similar products should be used to seal the gaps between the sash frame. This helps seal the gap and keeps cold or hot air out. If the weather stripping is damaged or folded over, or is missing, this can lead to drafts and energy inefficiency. If the wood on your windows is getting rotten, you'll probably have to replace them. However, it's not always the case. Your Tasker may be capable of preserving the wood by making some shrewd repairs. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gloucester-sash-window-repairs-near-me/ to tell whether your sash window's wood is rotting is to use a screwdriver to push through the wood and check whether it goes all the way. Another repair that is simple is to replace the pocket covers and parting beads. This can be accomplished by cutting the paint between the frame and sash with the help of a utility knife, then taking the pocket cover off or parting bead away using a chisel or a scraper. It is easy to replace the beading as it is available in similar styles. After the repairs are completed After these repairs are made, you can rely on your sash windows to be functional and beautiful again! While it's not always feasible to revive old sash windows that are considered beyond repair, the vast majority of windows can be restored and salvaged to provide decades of dependable service. It's a good idea engage a Tasker to handle any window repairs that require more work than just scratch or corrosion treatments, since these jobs can take longer to finish. Most Taskers can complete these kinds of repairs in just a few hours or less. Rotting Wood When wood rots it loses its ability to hold nails and other fasteners. This loss of structural integrity can eventually lead to windows being damaged or even collapse. Repairing windows made of wood that are rotting is a viable solution however replacing them usually a better solution. To prevent rotting, inspect your sash windows regularly for signs of moisture buildup and make sure to fix any issues that you spot. During routine maintenance, you must clean your windows to get rid of the dirt and grime that may block the movement of the sashes. Dehumidifiers are also a great option to regulate humidity, since excessive moisture can cause wood to stick and expand. To ensure that windows operate smoothly, you should also apply a light coating of wax on the tracks and sashes of windows to ensure that they are lubricated. The first step to take if a sash gets stuck is to check the counterweights. If the counterweights are in good working order and there is no sign of imbalance, the issue may be caused by an air leak or draft. You can seal the draft with foam tape, rope caulk or other adhesives. Wood filler can be used to fix windows that are not suffering from rot. Choose a wood filler that matches the color and type of your wood to ensure a seamless appearance. Once the filler has dried then sand it to a smooth finish before painting. If you notice that a portion of your sash is completely rotten, replacing it with new wood is the best choice. It can be difficult to take apart old wood weighted sash windows, but it is important to keep as much of the original frame as you can to minimize labor costs and prevent accidental damage. Before you begin, take a photo of the window as it's put together to serve as a reference point for the disassembly process. It's also recommended to build an easel out of framing lumber to allow you to stand up straight and get the most optimal angles for glazing and scraping. This job is made easier with a top scraper such as the Bahco that allows you to adjust the blades to the ideal angle for the curved parts of the sash. Damaged Frame As windows age, the frame can be damaged or rotted. It's good to know that you can repair these old wooden frames, rather than replacing them. This is a large project that requires lots of materials. This task takes anywhere from a few minutes to an entire day. A professional can remove rotted pieces, apply wood fillers and make use of natural preservers to extend the lifespan of your window. This will help you save money on your energy bills and also stop drafts from entering your house. A tasker can also replace rotting or damaged sills as well as parts of the sash. They'll usually use the original window as a guide and you won't have to buy a new set of windows. To repair a damaged or broken sash you need to first steam it to get rid of any paint or varnish. Then scrape it to the wood's surface before applying primer and reinstalling the glazing putty and glass. After that, sand the frame and sash to a smooth finish and apply a couple coats of primer and paint. The earliest sashes were joined by wooden pegs driven through a mortise-and-tenon. This kind of joint can be more difficult to disassemble and requires the aid of a handsaw, knife or a tool to cut the glue line. Later sashes used glue which is simpler to separate. After the sash has been repaired, it's time to put the vinyl track into the frame. Remove the pawls of each locking terminal using an screwdriver, then lower the sash so that it rests in vinyl jamb liners. Before reinstalling the sash, it is essential to soak it in glazing putty. This is a mix of linseed oil and chalk, and you can buy it at any hardware store. Make sure you have a few extra pieces of chalk on hand to keep the putty workable and to help you tidy up. After the putty is mixed, you can knead it until smooth. Add more chalk if needed to create an even consistency.