A How-To Guide For Sash Window Repair From Start To Finish

Sash Window Repair

Many homeowners fix their sash window to improve their appearance or make a home more energy efficient. You can do this yourself or engage a professional to complete it.

The cost of a full frame replacement varies from $150 to $500, dependent on the material used and the condition of the window. A less costly option is to repair the sash instead.

Glass Replacement

The repair of sash windows involves a variety of tasks, such as stripping paint, steaming, scraping, resetting glass and glazing putty, priming, and reinstalling the window. These tasks can be tiring and time-consuming, however it is essential to complete them all to ensure that your sash windows look and perform at their best. A restored sash window can add character and value to your home, while also reducing the cost of energy.

If your window sash is in poor condition, it could not operate properly or allow drafts into the home. It could be that the sash cords have been damaged or that it is painted shut. The good thing is that this can be fixed without conducting a full replacement.

A sash stuck in the frame is difficult to open and can create drafts or rattles when the wind blows. If the sash is painted shut and not broken it is usually opened using an instrument knife to cut through the layers of paint. If the sash is sticky, you can try applying silicone spray or wax to the window tracks.

Check that the counterweights and sash weights have not been damaged or rotted. This allows the sash to be closed and opened. It's also worth checking that the sash has all its glass panes.

It's worth taking the pockets out and scoring the paint with an edged knife to get rid of it. To avoid damaging the wood, this must be done with care. Once the sash is removed, it can be cleaned by using a brush and a damp cloth.

Once the sash window renovation is cleaned, it's ready to be reglazed and put back in place. Glazing putty is made of chalk and linseed oil and is available at the majority of hardware stores. To make the putty usable you need to add more chalk to it. This will make it not stick to your fingers when you apply it to sash. It's important to allow the sash to dry completely after bedding it.

Weatherstripping

Over time, the moving parts of a sash window can be damaged or worn out. These parts can be repaired to avoid further damage and reduce energy losses. Often, you can do this using replacement parts that are less expensive than replacing the entire window. If you're looking for a way to repair your double-hung windows, sliding sash windows or single-hung sash windows, the procedure is fairly easy.

The first step is removing the old sash from the frame. Depending on the condition of your windows, this may be a breeze or require some crowbars to remove the sash from the frame. You can inspect the sash for damage and wear after it's been removed. If you find any decay or damage, you can replace the parts. These parts are usually cheap and readily available at the local hardware store.

Install the sash back into the frame if it's in good condition. This will restore your window's functionality and create a tighter seal against the elements. Before you install the sash, you should apply weather stripping to the sill and on the top of the window. This will help keep cold air out and warm air in during the winter months.

There are many different types of weather stripping to pick from. Certain kinds are more durable than others, so be sure to select one that is suitable for your needs. Foam tape, as an example is made from open- or closed cell foam with an adhesive back. This kind of weather stripping is perfect for sealing gaps around the bottom of a door or sash.

Another kind of weather stripping is a flexible strip of EPDM rubber that is cut to length and adhered to the edges of a door or window frame. This type of weather stripping provides an improved seal than vinyl tape and is usually simpler to install since it does not require an adhesive backing.

Additionally, you can use a flexible weather stripping like V-channel or a tension seal to cover the tracks and grooves in which the window slides. This helps to create an airtight seal when the window is closed and it can also help reduce drafts in areas such as attics, basements and garages.

Sash Weights

Even sash windows in good condition may suffer from a variety of problems, which may result in their replacement. Draughts, rattles and sticking are common problems, but rotting frames and meeting rails, damaged glazing bars, damaged weights and sash cords which break or become slack could be the reason. Sash windows are an extremely popular feature in many structures. If you take care in the renovation process you can restore them to their former glory.

The most frequent issue with windows made of sash is that the sash becomes stuck in its vertical position. This is a straightforward issue to fix. A spray of silicone on the window tracks can aid in sliding the sash more easily. To further ease the process, a little steaming can be helpful. If the paint buildup causes your sash to stick to the window, you might need to use an utility blade to cut through the paint layers. It is crucial to take care not to cause damage to the frame or sash by working slowly and carefully.

Accessing the sash weights can be difficult, however it is possible to remove and replace window sashes them as part of the repair of the window sash. Open the window by using the access panel, or take off the cover on the pocket to open the sashweight compartments within the frame. Install the new weights and remove the old ones. Make sure they're well-balanced.

After the sash has been dislodged from its vertical position, a flat pry bar can be used to gently pull it upwards and then back down. Once it has been moved back to its original position, re-engage the tilt pin and balance shoe. Once the sash is back in place you can lock it and test its operation.

Once the window repair for the sash has been completed, it's time to put it back together. Reinstall the sash, being cautious to ensure it is properly balanced and operates smoothly. Lubricate each piece of weatherstripping made of metal and attach it to the side jambs with small brad nails. Install the stop beads and make sure they are not too tight, limiting the movement of the sash.

Hardware

Hardware for sash windows includes cables, pulleys and other components designed to make it easier for the window to open and close. As time passes, these components may wear out, leading to stiffness in the sash. These parts can be replaced to restore the smooth operation of double-hung window.

A malfunctioning counterbalance mechanism can also cause a sash to become stuck. This could be due to an unattached or damaged sash cord/chain, an unattached sash weight, or an unbalanced pulley that's not working correctly. These parts should be inspected regularly to avoid a major issue later on.

To take off a sash stuck you must break the seal of the paint. Start by putting on gloves and carefully using the flat pry bar to break the paint seal 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 age and condition of the windows, it may be necessary to score the paint seam with a utility knife before working. This will allow the glazing putty to be removed without causing any damage to the wood.

Before reinstalling the sash lubricate the sliding sash window track with silicone-based grease to keep it moving in a smooth manner. It's also important to ensure that the sash is aligned correctly with an even spacing and gaps between the edges.

The sash will be covered in new glazing putty. Glazing putty is a mixture of linseed oil and chalk It's crucial to add the correct amount of chalk to the putty to ensure an even consistency. It should feel tacky but not sticky.

When the sash is installed it is important to test it by lowering and raising it. If the sash is still rigid it is likely that an old wooden sash window cable that needs to be replaced is likely to be the cause. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Begin by removing the internal stops, as well as the access doors on each side jamb. Then, feed an additional length of sash through the pulleys that are on each side jamb. Attach the new sashcords to the sash, and then secure them to the pockets for sashweights. Then, replace the access doors to conceal the sash weights.