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Sash Window Repairs If sash windows don't receive regular maintenance, they may be ineffective. This could lead to drafts as well as energy inefficiency and moisture damage. Paint can peel and crack, leaving the timber exposed to the elements. Specialist joiners will paint the wood or re-stain it to repair any damage. An easel can be an excellent tool to work on sash windows since it provides a stable platform to work from. A good scraper will also be essential. Sash Cords that are broken or worn Over time, sash cables can become brittle and snap or break. This can be the result of a window problem, such as a broken pulley, or occur if the sash been closed and opened repeatedly. When this occurs it is likely that the sash will be difficult to move up and down without sagging or requiring a significant effort. To repair broken sash cables, open the window. Find the parting beads. It's a thin piece of wood that is used to separate the upper and lower sashes. Gently pry the bead away from the frame with a screwdriver. After removing the bead you can begin to remove the sash. After the sash has been removed, you'll need to locate the two weights made of cast iron that are stored in pockets on either side. Typically, one weight is located in the back (towards exterior side of window frame) and the other one is in front (towards interior side of frame). Take both weights off and set them away. After removing the counterweights from the sash channels, remove the access panel. Depending on the type of window you have there may be screws or a chisel to assist you in removing this panel. upvc sliding sash windows will be able see the spring coil which retracts the sash cords once the panel has been removed. If this isn't functioning correctly, you might be able to hear the windows trying to move and feel a little resistance. To fix this fix, you'll need coil the spring again. Once it is re-coiled you can secure it in place with a piece of cord. It is crucial to do this correctly since a loose knot can lead to the cords detaching and not retracting when you need them. After the cords have been re-tied and the access panels as well as the jambliner. Slide the sash in place. Double-check that the new cords are long enough and tied securely. Then, you can insert the sash cords into the slots and holes of the lower sash. You can also put the counterweights inside their pockets. You can now test your work. Slide the sash upwards and downwards to ensure it moves smoothly. Drafts and air leaks Sash windows are often plagued by air leaks and drafts due to age or damage to the window, or simply poor construction. While these issues are usually an indication of the windows being ready to be replaced but they can also be repaired or reworked with some effort. One of the most common draft and air leak issues is caused by weather stripping that is worn or a lack of weather stripping even. Foam tape or a similar product is recommended to close the gaps between the sash frame. This will help seal the gap and keeps cold or hot air out. If the weather stripping isn't there, damaged, or folded over, it can cause drafts and a deficiency of energy efficiency. If the window's wood is getting rotten, you'll probably have to replace them. However, it's not always the situation. Your Tasker may be capable of saving the timber by making a few careful repairs. Generally, the easiest method to determine whether your sash windows have begun to decaying is to push a screwdriver into the timber and observing if it goes all the way through. An easy fix is to replace the pocket covers and bead. It's as easy as scoring the paint with an utility knife between the frame and the sash and then prying off the cover for the pocket or the parting bead with the help of a scraper. Identical beading is usually available for purchase, so it's not a difficult replacement to make. After these repairs after these repairs, you can expect your sash window's appearance and function like new. Although it's not always possible to revive old sash windows that are considered beyond repair, the vast majority of windows can be salvaged and restored to provide decades of reliable service. It's a good idea to engage a Tasker to handle any window repairs that require more work than simple corrosion or scratch treatments, as these tasks can take longer to be completed. Most Taskers can complete these kinds of repairs in a matter of hours or less. Rotting Wood When wood rots, it loses its ability to hold nails and other fasteners. The loss of strength can lead to damage to windows, or even collapse. If your windows made of wood are beginning to rot, patching them can be a viable fix however replacement is usually an option that is more effective. To prevent the decomposing of your sash windows, you should inspect them on a regular basis for signs that moisture is building up. During routine maintenance, you should clean your windows in order to remove grime and dirt that could stop the movement of sashes. Dehumidifiers can also be used to control humidity, as too much moisture can cause wood to stick and expand. To ensure that windows operate smoothly, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of wax to the window tracks and sashes to ensure lubrication. If a sash becomes stuck, the first step is to inspect the counterweights for imbalance. If the counterweights are in good working order and there isn't any indication of imbalance, the problem may be caused by air leaks or drafts. If this is the scenario, you can fix the draft with rope caulk or foam tape. It is often possible to save a window that has minimal decay by using a wood filler to repair the damaged area. Choose a filler that matches the color and texture of your wood to create smooth appearance. Once the filler has dried then sand it to a smooth finish before painting. If you find that a portion of your sash is completely rotten, replacing it with new wood is the best option. Dismantling old weighted-sash wood windows isn't easy It's essential to save as much of the original frame as is possible to reduce costs for labor and prevent unnecessary damage. Before beginning the process, take a photograph of the window as it's put together to serve as a reference point for the disassembly procedure. You can also construct an easel using framing wood to work comfortably standing up while obtaining the best angles for glazing and scraping. This job is made much easier with a quality scraper such as the Bahco that allows you to adjust the blades to a perfect angle for the curved parts of the sash. Damaged Frame As windows age, frames be damaged or rotted. The good news is that it's usually possible to repair the old timber frames instead of replacing them. This is a large project that requires a lot of materials. The task can last anywhere from a few minutes to a whole day. A professional can take away rotted parts or wood fillers and use natural preservatives to prolong the life of your windows. This will help you save money on your electricity bills and stop drafts from entering your house. A tasker can also replace sills as well as parts of sash that have been damaged or rotting. They'll typically use the original window as a reference and you won't have to purchase a new set of windows. To repair a damaged sash, first steam the sash to remove any varnish or paint. Then scrape it down to bare wood before installing the glazing putty and glass. Then, sand the sash and sash frame to a smooth finish and apply two coats of primer. In the past, sashes were joined by using tapered wooden pegs that were driven through a mortise and tenon. This type of joint can be more difficult to remove and you'll need an axe, a handsaw or a sharp object to cut the glue line. Sashes that were later made used glue, which is much more simple to disassemble. After the sash is repaired and reinstalled, it's time to put the track of vinyl inside the frame. Use a screwdriver to release the pawls on each locking terminal, and then lower the sash until it rests within the vinyl jamb liners and snaps into the frame. Before reinstalling the sash it is essential to soak it in glazing putty. You can purchase this mixture of chalk and linseed from any hardware store. Keep some extra pieces of chalk on hand to make the putty usable and also for cleaning. After the putty has been mixed, knead until it's smooth. Add more chalk if necessary to achieve a uniform consistency.