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Sash Window Repairs If sash windows aren't properly maintained they can lose functionality. This can cause drafts, energy loss and water damage. Paint can peel and crack, leaving the timber exposed to the elements. Professional joiners can repaint and stain the wood again, fixing any damage and protecting it for the future. An easel is useful tool for working on sash windows since it gives you a stable base to work from. A quality scraper is important. Broken or Worn Sash Cords Over time, sash cables may become brittle and snap or break. This is often caused by a problem with the window itself or broken pulleys, but it can also happen when the sash is shut and opened repeatedly. When this happens, the sash will likely be difficult to move up and down without sticking or requiring a lot of effort. To repair broken sash cords, first open the window and locate the parting beads, a thin strip of wood that divides the sashes that are lower and upper. Gently pry the bead away from the frame using a screwdriver. After you have removed the bead, you can begin to remove the sash. After the sash has been completely removed, you'll have to locate the two cast iron weights that are housed in a pocket located on either side of the sash. Typically, one is located in the back (towards the exterior side of the window frame) and another in front (towards the inside of the frame). Remove both of them and put them in a separate area. Once you have removed the counterweights, take off the access panel from the sash channel. It may be necessary to use screws or a chisel to remove the panel, depending on what type of window you own. Once the panel is removed, you will be aware of the spring that is coiled to help retract the sash cords. If it is not working correctly, you will notice the window trying to move or feel some resistance. To correct this issue, you will need to re-coil the spring. After the spring has been re-coiling, you can tie it up with a piece of cord. This is crucial because a loose knot may cause the cords to break and not retract when required. After the cords have been re-tied, you can replace access panels and the jambliner. Slide the sash onto the wall. Make sure you check the new cords to ensure they are long enough and securely tied. After this, you can re-insert the sash cords in the slots and holes on the sides of the lower sash. Then, put the counterweights back into their pockets. You can now test your work. Slide the sash up-and-down to ensure it is moving smoothly. Air leaks and drafts Sash windows can develop drafts and air leaks as a result of age, damage to the window, or even just poor construction. These issues could be a sign that windows are in need of being replaced. However, they can be repaired with a bit of effort. One of the most common air leak and draft issues is caused by weather stripping that is worn or no weather stripping even. Sash windows should be fitted with foam tape or a similar material that runs along the bottom and around the top of each sash. This helps to seal the gap and keep cold or hot air out. If the weather stripping is not present or damaged or folded over, this can cause drafts and a lack of energy efficiency. If the wood on your windows is getting rotten, you'll probably need to replace windows. However, this isn't always the case, though, and your Tasker might be able to save the wood with careful repairs. Generally, the easiest method to tell whether your sash windows have begun to rotting is by pushing a screwdriver into the timber and seeing if it goes all through. Another simple fix is replacing the pockets and the parting beads. You can do this by cutting the paint with a utility knife between the frame and the sash and then removing the cover of the pocket or parting beads using the help of a scraper. It's easy to replace the beading because it is available in similar designs. Once these repairs are made Once these repairs are completed, you can count on your sash windows to be functional and look great again! It is not always possible to restore old sash window that are considered to be beyond repair. However the majority of them can be restored and will last for many years to come. Booking a Tasker is a good option for window repairs that are more complex than basic scratches or corrosion. These tasks may take longer to complete. However, most Taskers are able to get these types of jobs completed in a few hours, or even less. Rotting Wood When wood rots, it loses its ability to hold nails and other fasteners. This loss of structural strength can lead to damage to windows, or even collapse. Repairing windows made of wood that are rotting is an effective solution, but replacing them is usually a better solution. To prevent rotting, inspect your windows' sash regularly for signs of moisture buildup and make sure to fix any issues that you spot. You should clean your windows during routine maintenance to remove dirt, grime and other debris that could block the movement of windows' sashes. In addition, you must utilize a dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels as excessive humidity can cause wood to expand and become stuck. You can also use a thin layer of wax on the window tracks and sashes in order to help lubricate them. If a sash becomes stuck, the first step is to examine the counterweights to determine if they are imbalanced. If the counterweights are in good condition and there is no evidence of imbalance, the issue could be due to a draft or air leak. You can seal the draft using foam tape, rope caulk or other adhesives. It is possible to save a window with minimal decay by using a wood filler to repair the damaged area. Select a filler that is compatible with the color and texture of wood you have chosen to ensure a seamless appearance. After the filler has dried, sand it until it is smooth prior to painting. If you notice that a section of your sash has become completely decayed, replacing it with new wood will be the best choice. Dismantling old weighted-sash wood windows isn't easy however, it's crucial to keep as much of the original frame as is possible to reduce labor costs and avoid unnecessary damage. Take a photograph of the window prior to you begin to use it as a reference to disassemble it. You can also construct an easel using framing the wood to be able to work standing up while obtaining the best angles for glazing and scraping. This job is made easier by using a high-quality scraper like the Bahco, which allows you to adjust the blades to the ideal angle for any curved parts of the sash. Frame Damaged As windows get older, the frames can be damaged or decayed. It is important to know that you can repair these old wooden frames, rather than replacing them. This is a huge project that requires lots of materials. This job can take between a few minutes to a full day. A professional can remove rotted pieces as well as apply wood fillers and make use of natural preservers to extend the life of your window. This will help you save the cost of electricity and also prevent drafts from entering your house. A tasker can also replace sills and parts of sash that have been damaged or decaying. They'll often use the original window as a guide, so you won't need to purchase a brand new set of windows. To repair a damaged sash, first steam the sash to remove any paint or varnish. Then, scrape it down to bare wood before applying primer and reinstalling the glazing putty and glass. After that, sand down the sash and sash frame to a smooth finish, and apply two coats of primer. Earlier sashes were joined together with wooden pegs tapered and which were driven through a mortise tenon. This type of joint can be more difficult to detach and requires a handsaw, a knife or a pick to cut the glue line. Later sashes made use of glue, which is simpler to break apart. Once the sash has been repaired, it is time to put the track made of vinyl into the frame. Utilize double glazed sash window to loosen the pawls of each locking terminal, and then lower the sash until it's in the jamb liners of vinyl and snaps into its place. Before reinstalling the sash it is important to set it in glazing putty. This is a mix of chalk and linseed oil and you can purchase it at any hardware store. Make sure you have a few extra chalk bits on hand to ensure that the putty stays in good shape and help you get rid of. Once the putty is mixed, you can knead it until smooth. Add more chalk if needed to get an even consistency.