Notes

A Proficient Rant Concerning Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be severely damaged over time. While cosmetic damage would likely need to be repaired, functional problems with a window like rattles and draughts could indicate that the repair of sash windows is required.

Steam the sash first to loosen it. Take off the wood pegs using a hammer and pin punch. Note down all the components so that they can be re-used correctly later.

Broken or Rotten Wood

The wood that is not properly treated can damage the brickwork around windows and damage plaster. The good thing is that a lot of the time, this issue can be rectified without having to replace the entire window.


First, ensure the wood is dry. It's important to look at the grain and color of the wood to determine if it is solid and not affected by damp. If the wood appears soft and brown, this means that it's very likely that rot has already begun to develop. Make sure that the sash's place is held by a number wood spliced sections and that they aren't damp.

Moisture trapped in the corners of sash frames is a common issue. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. To solve this problem, clean the sash channel and remove any obstruction using the sharp edge of a chisel. Once the sash channels have been cleaned clear of any debris and dirt, they can be primed to prevent future problems with damp.

It is also essential to look at the wood used to construct the window frame. It is best to select timber that has a similar grain and colour to the wood pieces that are already in use otherwise it could be difficult to blend the joins together. You might also want to think about using a wood preserver, which can help keep the wood in good condition and prevent rot.

If your sash window's timber is severely damaged and rotten it may be wise for you to replace it completely. If you choose to replace them then it is important to select the replacement that has the same style as your existing windows to ensure that it will be as attractive once it's installed in your home. The choice of UPVC instead of timber for instance, could reduce the value of your home as prospective buyers may think that you've strayed from historical design preferences.

Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware

A sash is made to move smoothly, however wood rot or other issues can often affect its functionality. A window that is not functioning properly could also lead to drafts in the home, and also a loss of energy efficiency. The longer a sash window is left unattended the more wear and tear it will endure. This can reduce its lifespan and lead to water or moisture infiltration.

It can be a hassle trying to determine the cause of a sash-window problem. In many cases, replacing the sash can be the solution. Replace one or both of the windows if the issue is caused by decaying wood, misalignment or imbalance.

Replacing just a single window sash is less expensive than replacing the entire frame and glass. It's also a less complicated task than installing new double-hung windows which require a higher number of trims and parts to be removed. If you are looking to replace a sash within your home, the best place to start is by visually inspecting the existing window and frame. You might notice gaps or issues that could cause the sash to tilt and prevent it from staying up.

In most cases, it's possible to repair double-hung sashes by removing the trim and working from the inside of the frame. You should first remove the interior sash stop, which creates a track inside the window at the bottom. Spray the water hose on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then pry the stop out with an utility blade. Then, employ a razor blade to remove any nail heads sticking out of the side of the stop.

After you've removed the sash and frame, you can look for a weight access panel, which is a knockout inside the frame large enough to allow a sash weight through. If yours doesn't have one, you can create a new hole by cutting out a rectangle of the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.

Sash Weights That Aren't Working

The two weights that pull the sash up and down can become disconnected from one another in time, resulting in the sash getting jammed or stuck in an open position. This is caused by damaged or worn-out sashcords that need to be replaced.

When you are working on this repair it is important to spread dust sheets as possible to prevent any debris or dirt from reaching your carpet or furniture. This is particularly crucial if you intend to move and lift the window around while working to prevent damage to any part of your home.

When the sash is completely free Begin by carefully removing the staff bead on each side of the window frame using a thin wide chisel. There is a groove that runs down each side of the sash and finishes with a hole for the new sashcord. Take out any knots from the old cord stuck or glued into the hole.

Start by replacing the top sash cord. To do this, gently lower the sash up until it reaches the bottom sill and support it with a thin wedge on both sides of the frame, or it may drop to the floor and break the glass - an issue you'll would prefer not to have!

Then, remove the access panel from the frame and take the sash cable and sashweight. Once you have the sash weight removed, remove the dado from the edge of wood and then insert the nail to fix it. Make sure you use an appropriate length nail to reach the pocket of the sash otherwise it won't fit.

Once you have the weight in place after which you can replace the sash cord by feeding it into the hole. Then, you can push the sash onto the rails, down into the windowbox and check how it opens/closes. If you need to you need to add more lubrication to the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl or candle wax for wooden sashes).

If you're replacing both cords ensure they're identical in length to the original ones were, so when you release one from its pin, it will fall easily through the sash, settling at the pulley and continue to function normally. Once the sash is re-hung you can then reconnect the stop beads and your sash is complete!

Glass damaged

A broom, a baseball or a stone that is thrown by a lawnmower could cause enough damage to the glass. This shattered window glass allows water, snow, rain and insects to enter the home. In some cases the damage caused by broken glass may require a complete window replacement. Installing new windows is expensive and time-consuming home improvement task. In upvc door repair of instances, replacing damaged window panes can be an easier and less costly alternative.

It is essential to examine the sash before attempting to replace the glass. This is a chance to find any previously unnoticed spots in which the wood is beginning to decay or where the old glue, weather stripping and other hardware have deteriorated. Taking the time to perform this check will prevent you from having to perform more work later on.

After you have removed the glass, it is an ideal idea to have the wood coated with a homemade wood preserver. Mix equal amounts of mineral spirit and linseed to make the wood preservative. Once the mixture is mixed, apply the mixture to the surface of the sash with a putty knife and allow it to dry completely. This will help to ensure that the glass and sash remain resistant to water and will last for a long time.

If the sash is in good condition it is possible to repair it without removing the glass. The first step is to remove the window stop. It's a vertical wood piece that is situated over the stiles of the window frame. This is usually fixed with a small pry bar over a stiff-bladed putty knife. After you have removed the stop, you can cut the stiles and rails with a woodworking hammer or soft-faced hammer. This will ensure that you don't damage the profile. The next step is to eliminate the muntins which are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that divide the individual glass panes in the sash.

It's simple to replace damaged glass after the muntins are removed. Use glazing compound to fix the tabs of metal in their slots on the sash.

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