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Sash Window Repairs If windows in sash don't receive regular maintenance, they may become ineffective. This can result in drafts, energy loss and water damage. Paint can crack and peel, leaving the timber exposed to the elements. Specialist joiners will repaint or re-stain it to repair any damage. An easel can be a helpful tool for working on sash windows as it provides a stable base to work from. A good scraper can also be essential. Broken or damaged Sash Cords Over time, sash cables may become brittle and snap or break. This is typically the result of an underlying problem with the window or broken pulleys, but it could also happen when the sash is opened and closed repeatedly. If this happens, the sash will likely be difficult to move up and down without sagging or requiring a lot of effort. To repair damaged sash cords, first open the window and look for the parting beads, a thin strip of wood that divides the sashes that are lower and upper. Remove the bead gently from the frame by using a screwdriver. After removing the bead, you can begin to remove the sash. After the sash has been removed, you'll have to locate the two weights made of cast iron that are stored in pockets on either side. The majority of the time, one weight is located in the back (towards exterior side of window frame) and another in front (towards the inside of the frame). Take both weights out of their pockets and set them aside. After taking out the counterweights from the sash channels, remove the access panel. Depending on the kind of window you have there may be screws or a chisel that can assist you in removing the panel. You can see the spring coil that retracts the sash cords once the panel is removed. If it's not working properly, you'll be able to hear the window trying to move, or feel some resistance. Re-coiling the spring will fix this issue. After the spring has been re-coiling, you can tie it up with an individual cord. It is essential to do this properly because a loose knot could lead to the cords detaching and not retracting when you require them. After the cords have been re-tied and secured, you can replace the access panels and jambliner, and put the sash back in place. Check the new cords to ensure they are long enough and securely tied. Then, you can insert the sash cords into slots and holes in the lower sash. You can also place the counterweights into their pockets. You can test your work by moving the sash upwards and downwards to make sure it moves smoothly and without issues. Air and drafts Leaks Sash windows often develop drafts and air leaks from age or damage to the window, or simply poor construction. Although these issues are usually a sign of windows that are ready to be replaced, they are also repairable or repaired with a bit of effort. Weather stripping that is worn out or missing can cause drafts and air leaks. 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 cold or hot air out. If the weather stripping has been damaged or folded over or is missing, this can result in drafts and energy inefficiency. It's important to know that if the wood on your window is starting to decay, you'll probably need to replace it completely. However, this isn't always the situation. Your Tasker may be capable of saving the timber by making some shrewd repairs. The most effective way to determine whether your sash window's wood is rotting is to use a screwdriver to push through the wood and see if it penetrates completely. Another easy repair is replacing the pockets and parting bead. You can do this by cutting the paint with a utility knife between the frame and sash and then prying off the cover for the pocket or the parting bead using an instrument. Identical beading is usually available for purchase, which means it's not too difficult to create. After these repairs after these repairs, you can expect your sash window's appearance and function great again. While it isn't always possible to restore old sash windows considered beyond repair, the majority of them can be restored and salvaged to provide centuries more of reliable service. It is a good idea to book a Tasker for any window repairs that require more effort than just scratch or corrosion treatments, since these jobs might take longer to finish. Most Taskers can complete these kinds of repairs in the space of a few hours or less. Rotting Wood As wood rots, it becomes less able to hold nails or other fasteners. This loss of structural strength can lead to damage to windows or even collapse. If your windows made of wood are beginning to rot, patching them can be an effective repair, but replacement is often the best option. In order to prevent decomposing of your sash windows it is recommended to check them regularly for signs of moisture building up. Clean your windows after regular maintenance to get rid of dirt, grime and other debris that can hinder the movement of sashes. Dehumidifiers can also be utilized to regulate humidity, since excessive moisture can cause wood to swell and stick. To keep sash windows operating smoothly, it is recommended to apply a thin coating of wax on the window tracks and sashes to ensure lubrication. The first step to take when a sash becomes stuck is to check the counterweights. If the counterweights are in good condition and there is no evidence of imbalance, the issue may be caused by a draft or air leak. If this is the case, you can seal the draft using foam tape or rope caulk. Wood filler can be used to repair windows that are not suffering from decay. Select a filler that is compatible with the color and style of your wood to create an even appearance. Once the filler has dried then sand it to a smooth finish before painting. If you find that a portion of your sash has become completely decayed, replacing it with new wood is the best choice. box sash window isn't easy to disassemble old wood weighted sash windows, but it is important to keep as much of the original frame as possible to reduce the cost of labor and avoid unnecessary damage. Before starting taking a picture of the window in its entirety assembled to serve as a reference point during the disassembly process. You can also make an easel from framing wood to work comfortably standing up while obtaining the best angles for glazing and scraping. A quality scraper like the Bahco can make this job much easier because it allows you to adjust the blades to create the right angle for curving areas of the sash. Damaged Frame As windows age, the frame can become damaged or rotted. It's important to know that you can usually repair these wooden frames instead of replace them. This is a large project that requires a lot of materials. This job can take between a few minutes to a whole day. A professional can get rid of rotten pieces, apply wood fillers and use natural preservers to prolong the life of your window. This will save you money on your electricity bills and prevent drafts from entering your home. A tasker can also replace rotting or damaged sills as well as parts of the sash. They will often use your original window as a reference, which means you don't have to purchase a complete new set. To repair a damaged sash first steam the sash in order to remove any varnish or paint. Then scrape it down to the wood's surface prior to applying primer and reinstalling the glazing putty and glass. Then, sand the frame and sash smooth, and apply two coats of primer and paint. The earliest sashes were joined with wooden pegs that were driven through a mortise and tenon. This kind of joint could be more difficult to remove 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 much simpler to separate. After the sash is repaired and reinstalled, it's time to put the track made of vinyl in the frame. Use a screwdriver for release of the pawls on each locking terminal and then lower the sash until it's in the jamb liners of vinyl and snaps into the frame. It's important to apply glazing putty prior to replacing your sash. You can purchase this mix of chalk and linseed from any hardware store. Make sure you have extra pieces of chalk on hand to keep the putty workable and to help you clean up. After mixing the putty, knead it until it's smooth. Then add more chalk as needed to create a uniform consistency.