Tips For Sash Window Repair
If your windows for sash are rattling or leaky, they require repair. Draughts, decaying woods, misaligned rails, and sashweights are all factors that need attention.
Pam first covers each pan with a layer of glazing compound. Then she secures it using the glazier's point instead of pins to prevent breakage.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is a thin flexible strip of material used to cover the edges of windows and doors when they are closed. It blocks outside air and the toxins it carries. It stops drafts from blowing through the gaps, making your home too cold or let noise from outside in. You can buy ready-to-use materials in different sizes or cut it to fit the window sashes.
For single-hung windows, apply the strip between the joining rail and sash, and between the lower and upper sashes. Install the same strips along the frame's side to avoid rattling.
Weather strips are required on both sides of double-hung windows. It may be necessary to put strips within the frame near the bottom. The strips will stop the window from slamming closed and also prevent dust and bugs from blowing into the space between sash jamb and sash.
Before installing the weatherstripping, clean the sash frame with mild soap and warm water. Dry it with a soft cloth. Clean any paint residue and caulk the interior stops using a utility knife. Take care to pry the stops off with a putty knife to protect the frame. Replace the weather stripping.
The new weather stripping needs to be flexible enough to permit the sash's movement, yet firm enough to hold in place when it is closed. Adhesive-backed foam tape is a popular choice. It is simple to use and is available in various thicknesses. You can also use door sweeps, which are available in a wide range of sizes and designs to fit all kinds of doors and windows.
Examine the metal tabs on the new sash to those on the old sash prior to you install it. If the tabs are of a different shape, they will not fit in the slot on the frame of your window correctly, and you'll have remove the sash and start over. The good news is that individual replacements for sash aren't very expensive, so complete window replacement shouldn't be a costly disaster.
Sash Cords
Start by removing the parting bead - the thin pieces of wood that divide the frame's outer and inner. If they are nailed, a hammer with nail sets will work. You'll need the tarp as sash window cleaning is messy. You could also damage the paint or decaying wood in older homes. Wear a mask, as the dust can contain lead.
Then take out the upper cord and sash. If you are not replacing the cords, cut them and tie them up to prevent them from slipping through the holes. If you're adding new ones, first take off the nail that connects each cord to the sash and pull out the nails that hold each of the cords to the sash (the nails are known as glazier's points). Then, if the pockets on each side of the frame are in place, pull them out using a hammer and nail set, or an crowbar. You'll probably have scrape off some of the old sash cord, too.
When the pockets are completely free then you can take off the sash that covers the frame and be able to see the channels on each side of the frame where the cords for the sash go through. If you're putting in new sash cords, opt for cotton ones. Synthetic cords stretch out and become sagging, whereas cotton ropes last longer. It is important to ensure that you have the correct amount of weight per sash. To be sure you can weigh the sashes using an ordinary kitchen scale. The weights should be approximately half the size of each sash.
Reset the tilt pin if it is still in position. You'll need to lift the sash a bit to do this, so be careful not to let it fall. After that, lock the pin. Finally, put in an additional balance for the sash (the tube that holds the weights) and you're done! Don't forget to verify the tilt pin, and then relock it onto the upper sash.
Parting Beads
Parting beads (vertical wood strips holding the lower sash in place) and staff beads are integral parts of a window sash. They are used to hold the weights of sash windows and prevent water from entering and create the seal. If these are damaged or not in good condition, they could cause excessive draughts and rattle.
Make use of a sharp knife and cut across the joint of paint between the parting beads as well as the box window frames. Examine for screws or nails before gently removing the beads out of their narrow grooves. They are designed to fit comfortably, but they may have been nailed into place. You will also need to remove any sash cords which were secured with screws and tied in knots to prevent them from falling off when released.
After removing the parting beads and the parting bead, you can remove the lower sash from both sides and remove the meeting bar (which is overlapping with the bottom sash in a double-hung sash). The meeting rail can then be removed from the frame, allowing to open the window panes.
You can clean the sash windows and re-attach any sash furniture/ironmongery, lubricate the pulley axles & test the operation of the window. If you have difficulty opening or closing the window, it could be worthwhile to consider other sash balance systems. These are discussed in a different article.
To make the windows of the sash weather proof again apply draught strip paint (with a high-quality oil-based primer). You can also smooth the surface to smooth it and then reapply multi-purpose mastic. Apply a small amount fronting putty where the glazing rebate meets the upstand of the sash inside. insert it into the putty using the fillet tool to create a smooth, even bevel. finish a few mm below sightline. Replace the sash cords, re-tie knots if needed and hang the window. You may want to consider using white 6mm braided marine rope / cord as this will last much longer than the cheap cords that stretch over time. This will also decrease the opening distance of the sash window making it easier to close.
Glass
Most homeowners don't think about the mechanics of their windows. They are just happy when they function well and keep the air inside and outside air out. If windows with sash develop issues however, it can be costly to repair them or replaced entirely. There are several ways to save money on window installation, without having to purchase new windows.
You can replace the glass in your sash windows by similar designs that complement the period style of your home. Another is to fit laminated glass, which can keep your family safe from glass shards that break and minimize the transfer of UV radiations. Other glass double glazed window repairs options include textured or patterned glass, which is ideal for privacy but still let light in rooms. Draught-proof strips are also available to boost energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution.
It is not uncommon for sash windows to become difficult to move because they have warped over the years. This can be due to an accumulation of moisture and a fluctuating humidity which causes the wood to expand and shrink at different rates. This can cause the sash to expand and turn discolored. It can be a challenge to open and shut.
The first thing to do is to make sure the sash frames are in good condition. If there is lots of moisture, and the wood is decayed or sagging, it's going to need to be repaired before anything else can be completed. This is a task for professional window contractors, and it can be costly.
The next step is to change a pane of glass after the frame of the sash is examined. This can be done while the sash is still in place, but it is simpler to remove the frame and then work on a table. First, remove any glazing points, as well as the putty that keeps the glass in place. It is crucial to wear protective clothing during the process. The worker can then cut the glass to fit and then install it in the frame using a special glazing tool. The glass is extremely tough and is susceptible to cracking or breaking.