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7 Simple Strategies To Totally Rocking Your Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Old weighted sash windows need regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, lubricating and reinstalling hardware. It also involves adding brush pile strips and replacing ropes in order to lessen the rattling.

To begin, use a utility knife to cut through any paint covering the window's face. Remove the trim and face to reveal the sash.

Cracked Sash and Frame

It's time to fix your sash window if you find that they aren't sliding up and down as smoothly. A broken frame or sash can cause draughts and condensation, so it's crucial to fix the problem as soon as you can. The most frequent issue with old sash windows is that they've worn down over time, but you can take several steps to restore them to their former glory.


Examine the window and frame for indications of damage, like rot or mold. If you find any of these problems clean the area and repaint it to be in line with the rest of the frame. You can also replace the entire window if the old sash is damaged.

The sash can be closed and opened multiple times to let it free if it is stuck or sagging. This will release any paint stuck to the sash, and will help it move. If the sash remains stuck after a few attempts to free it, try using a hairdryer set at low temperature to warm the sash frame and molding to soften any putty. Once the sash is unbound, use a utility knife or even better a special tool that looks like a spatula made of metal called a window saw (available at hardware and paint stores for about $10).

The next step is to break the glass apart from the sashes. If you're lucky, there could just be a couple of screws or nails holding the strip along the length of the molding. If not, take off the parting strip using an axe. Start at the sill.

It is essential to set up the strip correctly after you remove it. If you are lucky the groove will be wide enough to allow a new strip of wood to slide into it and be secured with a few nails. If the groove isn't wide enough then you'll need to sand the groove and then add a strip of the correct size.

Stuck Sash or Frame

If a sash-window opens and closes without difficulty, but gets stuck at the point where it stops working, the sash frame may require re-gluing. Over time, the old glue can degrade, humidity fluctuations can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction, or rot may begin to develop. Re-gluing the joints is a straightforward job and can be done without dismantling the window.

Before you begin re-gluing the joints, you must thoroughly examine the entire frame. Check that all joints are in good condition and free of cracks or leaking. If the wood is rotting it should be removed and chemically stripped. After repairs are complete, the wood should be sanded prior applying the stain again.

If the sash appears be stuck at the bottom, start by looking for a snapped sash cord. If there is a damaged cord, it has twisted within the frame and gotten stuck. The window will feel heavier to open and close. To remedy this, cut the cord as close to the sash as you can (it's an ideal idea to ask a friend to help) and pull it back to unwind the sash.

Use a scraper to remove the remaining paint from both sides of the frame of the sash. This should be done with care to avoid damage to the glass or mortise-and tenon joints. After the paint has been removed, apply wood hardener on the frame and sash. This product will help strengthen the wood and prevent it from further rotting.

If you notice that there is an opening between the sash's edge and the frame, insert a large putty blade (not a screwscrewdriver) and gently move it across the side. You may have to tap the handle with a hammer to make it move.

Alternately, you can put an object of wood in the channel just below or above the sash. Hit it with a hammer to create a wedge for the sash. If you are located above an avenue, ensure that there is no one walking under the window.

Leaking Sash Frame

If water seeps through windows, it's not just annoying and uninspiring however, it could cause serious damage to the structure and also encourage the growth of mold that is dangerous. The good part is that a leaky window is usually repaired without replacing the window, provided you know what to look for.

Check for damp wood in the frame, sash or on the exterior wall next to the window. Pay attention to the corners. If you see water stains, moisture on the ceiling or wall near the window, or decaying wood in the sill, it's time for a professional. If the water is emanating from outside, it's probably because of a clogged drainage hole or because the flashing isn't properly installed or missing entirely.

Leaks on the inside of a double pane window could be caused by a failure of the gasket that seals between the two panes of glass. It is essential to check the integrity regularly of the seal on a window that has a gasket in between the two panes. A simple tool, which looks like an enormous pencil or pen with a pointed end can be used to test the seal. Use double glazing window repairs to push between the frame and window to see if they're tight or loose.

Vinyl frames are susceptible to air infiltration around windows since the PVC expands and contract at seven times more than glass. This could cause the sealants used to seal the glass to be stretched and sheared, which allows air into the gap between sash frame. This can be corrected in certain cases by resealing with silicone caulk or expanding foam tape.

If you own awning or casement windows, be sure to check their hinges to ensure they are secure and not leaking. Also, if there is unfinished wood in the interior of the window frame near the edges or sash, it's necessary to paint this area with a latex caulk in order to stop air from entering.

Frame and Sash Damaged

A damaged sash or frame is an indication that it's time to fix the issue. Most often, this means replacing the damaged section with a new piece wood. A carpenter with experience with windows made of sash will be able to do this without the need to replace the whole window. They'll also be able to include modern features such as double glazing and sound reduction glass.

Often, these repairs will aid the window in performing better and last longer. The wood used in sash windows naturally expands and shrink with changing humidity so keeping a tight seal is essential to ensure that the window is operating correctly.

One of the most common indications that your sash windows require a repair is if they are difficult to open and close. Sash windows should open and close without much effort. If they feel stiff, or require a great deal of effort, it could be that the sash isn't seated correctly in the frame.

This could be due to a number of reasons, including poor installation and aging. Make sure the sash has been properly seated by looking at it from the outside and then poking it with your finger. If the wood is brittle or has holes, then it's likely to be decaying. It's going to need to be replaced.

If the sash is in good working order it's possible that the pocket has gotten stuck. Sash pockets are generally an ideal fit, however over time, they may be painted shut or even fixed with nails or screws. A sharp knife can cut along any joints in the paint and then gently prise the pocket out.

After removing the sash remove the cords of the sash, and lower the weights if required. Then you can replace the sash horns and parting beads and the sash pulleys and cords. Once everything is back in place, apply a decorators caulk to seal around the staff bead and the box to minimize draughts, and enhance the appearance of your newly restored sash.

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