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Sash Window Repairs When sash windows aren't maintained correctly, they may lose functionality. This can result in drafts as well as energy loss and moisture damage. Paint can crack and peel off leaving the wood exposed to elements. Expert joiners can repaint or stain the wood again, fixing any damage and protecting it for the future. An easel can be useful tool for working on sash windows because it provides a stable platform to work from. A quality scraper will also be necessary. Broken or worn Sash Cords As time passes, sash cables may become weak. They may break or snap. This is usually caused by a problem with the window, such as broken pulleys, but it can also occur when the sash is opened and closed repeatedly. If this happens it is likely that the sash will be difficult to move up and down without sticking or requiring a lot of effort. To fix damaged sash cables Open the window. Locate the parting bead. It's a thin wood strip that is used to separate the upper and lower sashes. Gently pry the bead away from the frame using a screwdriver. After removing the bead, you can begin to remove the sash. After the sash is removed, you'll need locate the two weights made of cast iron that are housed in pockets on either side. Typically, there's one weight in the back (towards the exterior of the window frame) and the other in front (towards the inside side of the frame). Remove both weights and place them away. After taking the counterweights out of the sash channels, you can remove the access panel. Depending on the type of window you have, there could be screws or a chisel available to help you remove this panel. Once the panel is removed, you will be able to see the coiled spring that helps retract the sash cords. If the spring isn't working correctly, you will notice the window trying to move, or feel a slight resistance. Re-coiling the spring can fix this issue. Once it's re-coil you can secure it with the help of a cord. It is important to do this correctly because a loose knot could cause the cords to break and not retracting when you require them. Once the cords are tied and secured, you are able to replace the access panels and jambliner and slide the sash back into the proper position. Check that the new cords are both long enough and tied securely. After that, you can put the sash cords back into the slots and holes on the sides of the lower sash. Then, put the counterweights back into their pockets. You can now test your work by moving the sash up and down to make sure it is moving smoothly and without issues. Air leaks and drafts Sash windows can experience drafts or air leaks due to the aging process, damage, or poor construction. Although these issues are usually a sign of the windows being ready to be replaced but they can also be fixed or repaired with a bit of effort. One of the most frequent draft and air leak issues is caused by weather stripping that is worn or no weather stripping in any way. Sash windows should be fitted with foam tape, or a similar material that runs down the bottom and the top of each sash. This helps to seal the gap and keep the hot or cold air out. If the weather stripping is missing, damaged or folded over, this can result in drafts and a loss of energy efficiency. It's important to note that if the wood on your window is starting to decay, you'll most likely need to replace it completely. It's not always the case, however you and your Tasker could be able save the wood by making carefully-planned repairs. Typically, the best method to determine if your sash windows are decaying is to insert a screwdriver into the timber and observing if it goes all the way through. Another simple fix is to replace the pocket covers and parting bead. This can be accomplished by scoring the paint between the sash and the frame using a utility knife and prying the pocket cover or the parting bead off with a scraper or chisel. Similar beading is typically available for purchase, so it's not a difficult replacement to make. After these repairs after these repairs, you can expect your sash window to look and function like new. It is not always possible to fix old sash windows that are considered beyond repair. However, the vast majority can be repaired and will continue to serve you for a long time. It's a good idea engage a Tasker to handle windows that require more work than basic corrosion or scratch treatments, as these tasks can take longer to complete. Most Taskers can finish these types of repairs in the space of a few hours or less. Rotting Wood When wood rots it loses its ability to hold nails or other fasteners. This loss of structural strength could eventually cause window damage or even total collapse. Repairing wood windows that are rotting is an effective solution however, replacing them is usually a better solution. In order to prevent rotting of your sash window it is recommended to check them on a regular basis to look for signs that moisture is growing. When you perform regular maintenance, it is recommended to clean your windows in order to remove 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. You can also use a thin layer of wax on the window tracks and sashes in order to help lubricate them. The first thing to do in the event that a sash is stuck is to examine the counterweights. If the counterweights appear to be in good shape, and there are no indications of imbalance, it's possible that the issue is due to an draft or air leak. If this is the situation, you can close the draft using rope caulk or foam tape. You can often save a window that has minimal decay by using a wood filler to repair the damaged area. To ensure a seamless look, choose a wood filler that matches the color and style of your wood. After the filler is dry, sand until it is smooth before painting. If you notice that a portion of your sash has become completely rotten, replacing it with new wood is the best choice. It isn't easy to remove old wood weighted sash windows however, it is essential to keep as much of the original frame as you can to minimize labor costs and prevent accidental damage. Take a photograph of the window before you begin to use it as a guide to disassemble it. You can also make an easel from framing wood to work comfortably upright while getting the best angles for glazing and scraping. This job is made easier with a top scraper, such as the Bahco, which allows you to adjust the blades to a perfect angle for the curved parts of the sash. Damaged Frame As windows age, their frames can become damaged and rotting. The good part is that it's possible to repair the old frames of timber instead of replacing them. However this is a large undertaking that requires a large amount of materials. This task can take anywhere from a few seconds to a whole day. A professional can take away the decayed parts, apply wood fillers, and apply natural preservatives in order to prolong the life of your windows. This will help you save money on your electricity bills and also prevent drafts from entering your home. A tasker will also replace damaged or rotting sills as well as parts of the sash. They'll often use the original window as a reference, so you won't need to buy a new set of windows. To repair a damaged sash, first steam the sash to remove any varnish or paint. Then scrape it down to the wood's surface before applying primer and reinstalling the glazing putty and glass. After that, sand down the sash and sash frame to a smooth finish, and apply two coats of primer. The earliest sashes were joined with wooden pegs tapered and driven through a mortise and tenon. This kind of joint could be more difficult to disassemble and you'll need the aid of a handsaw, knife or a sharp object to cut the glueline. Sashes later made with glue, which is more simple to disassemble. Once the sash is repaired, it's time to reinstall the vinyl track in the frame. Utilize a screwdriver to loosen the pawls on each terminal that locks, and then lower the sash until it's in the jamb liners of vinyl and snaps into its place. 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 purchase it at any hardware store. Make sure you have extra chalk bits on hand to keep the putty workable and also to help clean up. After the putty is mixed, you can knead it until smooth. Add more chalk if needed to create a uniform consistency.