10 Best Books On Sash Window Repair
How to Repair a Sash Window
Experts agree that restoring old sash window is more environmentally efficient and economical than replacing them. Why not give it a go?
Dealing with issues such as sticking sashes or draughts, noise pollution and visible damage will make your home more comfortable. Before you begin, think about these points.
Damaged Sash Cords
When the cords that pull the sash upwards or down wear out, it becomes difficult to open and close the window. In some instances the cords might break. To fix this, sash cables must be replaced. This is a simple repair for any homeowner, and can usually be done in just an hour or less when you're working on only one lower sash.
Begin by preparing the area you'll work in and then cover the floor with a tarp to collect any debris or nails that fall while you remove the window. Wear a face mask if you're working on an older home to shield yourself from dust from lead paint.
Start by getting rid of the stop beads which are small pieces of wood that surround the window frame's inner frame and prevent the sash from sliding out of the window box. Then remove the window sash, and place it on a table or workbench. You'll now be able to access the cast-iron weights that are behind the window frame. After you have removed the weights, the old sashcords and the weights, you can replace them with new ones.
First, take a measurement of the length of the old cord to know the length of your new cord. Then, tie a knot at the end of your new cord to ensure it can't slip over the top of the pulley that was previously in use. You can now connect your new cord through the hole that you cut in the panel cover. Then, reinstall the window sash and verify its operation.
Install the panel cover, the staff bead, and ensure that all nails are securely inserted into the wall. Make sure they are set lower than the surface of the wood to keep from damaging the painted finish or limiting the sash's movements. If the sash does not move smoothly, apply decorators caulk between the staff beads as well as the window boxes to reduce draughts.
After the caulk has dried, it's time to reinstall the sash and trim. If you're not confident with tools, you can engage a professional repair service to replace the sash cables for you. However it's a costly option. The majority of homeowners opt for an easier DIY solution, which involves replacing the broken cords themselves.
Broken Sash Weights
If your windows in sash aren't opening and closing correctly, it could be because the sash cords are broken. Replace the old sash cords, and you'll be able restore your windows to working order again.
Remove the screws that hold the beads in place using the help of a screwdriver. Then, you can lift the sash from the window frame. Unlock the access panels on the side jambs if there are any, to get access to the sash pulleys and sash weights. Remove the sash gently from the frame. If you can, lay down dust sheets to protect the wall paper and paintwork.
Examine the pulleys, sashweights and sash to make sure they are correct. You may need to balance the sash which is heavy. You can purchase sashweights made of lead on the internet or from a local hardware store if you don't already have them.
Remove any slack from the cords once you've removed the sashweights. Then, feed the new cord through the pulley, and out the other end of the channel on the sash. Then pull the cord upwards until it reaches the weight and tie a knot.
Repeat the procedure for the second cord. Then, insert the sash back into the window frame ensuring it is level. Replace the parting beads and staff bead, if needed and close the gaps around them with decorators caulk.
The final step is to re-insert the interior sash stops. If you are unsure how to do this ask an expert for help. After reinstalling them, test the windows to see if they are functional. If they are, you can begin building the window by replacing the trim and access panel covers and painting the areas that were damaged or covered up during the repairs. Make sure that the window is firmly put up before you finish the installation. Place the window on an appropriate scale and ensure that both sash weights have the same size. If they aren't, use lead'make up' weights to balance the sash.
Faulty Sash Locks
A damaged lock on the sash window is one of the most frequent reasons why a sash will not open or close properly. In some instances, this could be a simple fix, however in other instances, it could require a complete replacement of the lock. A broken lock can be an issue with security, as it could give an easy opportunity for thieves to gain entry to your home.
Window locks are made to to stand up to the weight of the sash however, they are still susceptible to wear down over time. This is because the hardware is exposed to such a high amount of stress as well as to the natural movement of the foundation. If you're dealing with a malfunctioning window lock, you need to check for other problems that could cause it to fail.
When your sash lock isn't locking properly it can often be due to a misaligned interlock. sash windows repair could stop the keeper from engaging the latch and preventing the door from closing. This is usually repaired by lifting up the bottom sash and pushing it into the room to ensure that the interlocks are aligned correctly.
Rust buildup in the mechanism is a common reason why a sashlock doesn't work. The frames of older windows made of wood or aluminium will corrode over time. This corrosion can block the mechanisms and stop them from working correctly.
In some cases it may be necessary to replace the entire fastener on the sash. This can be done easily. It's a simple process that only requires a few tools and some patience. You'll first need to remove the fastener, then clean the surface of any debris or rust. Then you can use a drill to drill new holes for the screw and bolt. Finally, you'll need to fix the new fastener in place and make sure it's secure.
This is a relatively straightforward task that can be done by the majority of homeowners, and it will ensure your window is safe and secure. It's a great method to cut down on air infiltration and make your home a little more energy efficient and therefore it's worth doing when your windows aren't locking correctly.
Broken Glass Panes
Glass panes can break by a lawnmowers knife, baseballs and other debris. It is up to you to decide if need to replace the window sash or repair the glass pane. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may require the removal of the metal glazing points as well as the glazing compound that surrounds the glass. Wear gloves, a mask and wear protective eyewear when fixing the cracked glass. Cover your floor with a drop cloth to stop glass particles from contaminating the floor and posing a danger to children or pets.
Before replacing a window pane it is essential to remove the old one and scrape any old putty or caulking that has accumulated in the frame's rabbets, the grooves that hold the glass. If there's a lot of putty it might be necessary to employ a scraper that is a pull type or an old chisel, and tap lightly to avoid breaking the window. A heat gun may help soften the old putty, so it's easier to remove. After removing the old pane, smooth the rabbets, and then apply new caulking compound or the glaziers compound.
While the putty is drying while the putty is drying, prepare the new pane to be installed by cleaning it and wiping it clean using a damp sponge. If the glass is insulated, take off the insulation by cutting it off at the top and the bottom of the pane using a utility knife. The metal points that keep the glass in place can be removed by hitting them or pulling them out with a putty blade.
To replace the glass pane, roll the glaziers compound into a rope approximately 3/4 inch thick. Then, press it with a firm force into the rabbet around edge of the glass and against the wood sash. Fill any holes or gaps that may be present between the frame of putty and the glass. Let the putty dry completely before painting the window. Wear protective gloves and cover the work area with a dropcloth to protect yourself from glass shards.