Sash Window Repair
Many homeowners replace their sash window for aesthetic reasons or to make their home more energy efficient. This can be done on a DIY basis or a professional can offer the service.
Full-frame replacements range from $150 to $500 based on the material used and the window's condition. Restoring the sash is a cheaper option.
Glass Replacement
The sash repair process involves a number of different tasks. This includes stripping paint, steaming and scraping while resetting the glass, glazing putty and priming. These tasks can be difficult and time-consuming, however it's essential to complete them all so that your sash windows appear and function their best. A restored sash window will add value and character to your home while reducing costs for energy.
If your window sash is in poor condition, they may not work properly or allow drafts into the home. It could be that the sash cords have been damaged or that it is sealed. This is fixable without having to replace the entire sash.
A sash that has been tucked away in the frame is difficult to open and may create drafts or rattles when the wind blows. If the sash is closed but not broken, you can usually open it by using an utility knife to cut the paint layers. If the sash appears sticky, applying wax or silicone spray to the window tracks can assist in moving it more easily.
Check that the counterweights and the sash weights aren't damaged or decayed. This will allow the sash be closed and opened. In addition, it's important to ensure that the sash has been covered in glaze and doesn't have any glass panes.
During the sash window repair process, you should also consider getting rid of the pockets and scoring paint with a knife around the edges of each to remove it. To prevent damaging the wood, this procedure should be done with caution. Once the sash has been removed then you can clean it off with a damp sponge and a brush.
After cleaning the sash, it is now ready to be refracted. Most hardware stores sell glazed putty, which is made of chalk and linseed. It is essential to add chalk to the putty to make it more flexible, as it will prevent it from sticking to your fingers when you apply it to the sash. It is essential to allow the sash to dry completely after bedding it.
Weatherstripping
A sash window is made up of many moving parts that may become damaged or worn over time. Repairing these parts as they wear can help prevent further damage and cut down on the loss of energy. In most cases you can do this using replacement parts that are less costly than replacing the entire window. If you're looking to fix your double-hung windows sliding sash windows single-hung windows with sash, the procedure is relatively easy.
The first step is to get rid of the old sash. Depending on the condition of your windows, this can be easy or may require some crowbar work to remove the sash from the frame. You can inspect the sash for damage and wear after removing it. If you spot any signs of rot or damage, you can replace the part. These parts are usually cheap and easily accessible at the local hardware store.
Reinstall the sash into the frame if it is in good shape. This will restore the function of your window and create an improved seal against the elements. However, before installing your sash, it is recommended to apply a weather stripping to the sill as well as the top of the window. This will aid in keeping cold air out and warm air in during winter.
There are a variety of different types of weather stripping available to pick from. Certain types are more durable than others, so be certain to select the right type of weather stripping for your needs. Foam tape, for instance is made of closed or open cell foam with the back of a stick. This type of weather stripping is best for sealing the gaps around bottom of a sash or door.
Another kind of weather seal is a flexible EPDM rubber strip that is typically cut to the size required and glued to the edges of a door or window frame. This type of weather stripping gives more secure seal than vinyl tape and is usually easier to install because it does not require an adhesive backing.
Finally, you can use a flexible weather stripping like V-channel or a tension seal to create grooves and tracks where the window slides. This provides a secure seal for the window when it's closed and helps reduce drafts.
Sash Weights
Many windows made of sash, even those in decent condition, have a range of problems that can lead to their replacement. Draughts, rattles and sticking are regular afflictions, but rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars, defective weights and sash cables that break or become slack could be the reason. Despite these issues Sash windows are an extremely popular feature in many buildings and, with careful renovation they can be restored to their former glory.
The most common problem with sash windows is that the sash gets stuck in its vertical position. This is a simple problem to solve. A thin layer of silicone applied to the window tracks will aid in making the sash slide more smoothly. Steaming can ease the process. If paint build-up is causing the sash frame to stick and sag, it could be necessary to use a knife to cut through the layers of paint. Be careful not to hurt the sash or the frame. Work slowly and carefully.
Accessing the sash weights can be difficult, but it is possible to take them off and replace them as part of the repair of the window sash. Open the window by using the access panel, or remove the cover for the pocket to access the sashweight pockets within the frame. Install the new weights and take out the old ones. Make sure they're balanced.
Once the sash is completely removed from its vertical position a flat pry bar can be used to gently pull it upwards and back into place. After the sash is moved back into its original position re-engage both the tilt pin as well as the balance shoe. After the sash has been re-positioned, lock it in place and test its operation.
After all the repairs are completed After all the repairs have been completed, it's time to put everything back together. Reinstall the sash and ensure that it is properly balanced and is running smoothly. Lubricate every piece of metal weatherstripping and secure it to the side jambs by small brad nails. Reinstall the stop beads and ensure that they're not too tight that they restrict sash movement.
Hardware
Hardware for windows that are sash-like include pulleys, cables and other components that make it easier for the window to shut and open. Over time, these components may wear out and contribute to stiffness of the sash. The parts can be replaced to restore the smooth operation of double-hung windows.
A faulty counterbalance can also cause the sash to become stuck. This could be due to a broken or missing sash chain or cord, an unattached sash weight or a pulley that is not functioning correctly. These parts must be checked regularly to avoid a major issue later on.
To get rid of a sash that is stuck you must break the paint seal. Start by putting on a pair of gloves and carefully using a flat pry bar to break the seal of paint along the vertical stile of the sash as well as the meeting rail and the pocket at the bottom of the sash. Based on the condition and age of the windows, it may be necessary to score the paint seam with an utility knife prior to beginning to work. This will allow the glazing putty to be removed without damaging the wood.
Before reinstalling your sash, make sure to grease the track with silicone-based fluid to ensure that it moves smoothly. replace window sashes is also important to ensure that the sash has a consistent spacing between the edges and is properly aligned.
The sash will then be covered with new glazing putty. It is important to use the right amount to get an even consistency. Glazing putty is composed of linseed and chalk. It should feel tacky, but not sticky.
After the sash has been reinstalled it is important to test it by raising and lowering it. If the sash is still rigid and slack, an old sash cable that needs to be replaced could be the reason. Fortunately this is a simple fix. Remove the interior stoppers and the doors to access from each side jamb. Next, feed in a new length of sash cord through the pulleys that are on each side jamb. Attach the new sashcords onto the sash, and then secure them to the pockets for sashweights. Replace the access doors with new ones to conceal the sashweights.