Sash Window Repair

It's not about aesthetics, or to ensure the efficiency of a home many homeowners choose to repair their sash windows. It can be done on an DIY basis or a professional may offer the repair.

The cost of a complete frame replacement ranges between $150 and $500, depending on the material used and the condition of the window. An alternative that is less expensive to fix the sash instead.

Glass Replacement

The sash window repair process involves a variety of tasks, including stripping paint, steaming, scraping, setting glass and glazing putty, priming and reinstalling the sash. These tasks can be difficult and time-consuming, but it's important to do these tasks in order to ensure your sash windows look and perform at their best. A well-restored sash will bring value and character to your home, while also helping to reduce energy bills.

If your sash windows are in poor condition, it's likely that they're not operating correctly or allow drafts into the house. It could be that the sash cords are damaged or it could be that the sash is sealed. The good thing is that this is a fixable issue that doesn't require an entire replacement.

A sash that is stuck in the frame can be difficult to open and may cause rattles and drafts when wind blows. If the sash has been sealed but isn't broken, you can usually open it with a utility knife to cut the paint layers. If the sash is sticky, you can try applying silicone spray or wax to the window tracks.

Check that the counterweights and sash weights have not been damaged or decayed. This will allow the sash be opened and closed. It's also worth checking if the sash has all its glass panes.

During the sash window repair process, it's also worth taking off the covers for pocket windows and scoring paint using a knife along the edges of each to take it off. To prevent damaging the wood, this should be done with caution. Once the sash has been removed then you can clean it using a damp cloth and a brush.

Once the sash is cleaned, it's now ready to be reglazed and reinstalled. The majority of hardware stores sell glazing putty, which is composed of chalk and linseed. To make the putty workable, you should add more chalk to it. This will make it not stick to your fingers as you apply it to the sash. It's important to let the sash dry completely after bedding it.

Weatherstripping

A sash window contains many moving parts that could become damaged or worn over time. Repairing these parts as they wear out can stop further damage and decrease the loss of energy. Often, you can do this using replacement parts that are cheaper than replacing the entire window. If you're looking for a way to repair your upvc double glazed sash windows-hung windows, sliding sash windows or single-hung sash windows, the process is relatively straightforward.

The first step is to remove the old sash. The sash may be removed from the frame without difficulty or require construction work depending on the condition of the windows. After the sash has been removed, you can inspect it for wear and tear. If you notice any signs of decay or damage, you can replace the part. These parts are usually cheap and easily available at your local hardware shop.

If the window sash is in good working order You can put it back into the frame. This will restore the window's function and provide more secure protection against the elements. However, prior to installing your sash, it is recommended to apply a weather stripping to the sill and top of the window. This will keep the cold air out, and warm air inside during the winter.

There are many different kinds of weather stripping available to select from. Choose the best weather stripping for your needs. Some kinds are more durable. Foam tape, for example, is made of closed or open cell foam with an adhesive back. This type of weather stripping is perfect for sealing the gaps around bottom of a door or sash.

Another type of weather seal is a flexible EPDM rubber strip that's usually cut to size and adhered around the edges of a window or door frame. This type of weather tape offers better sealing than vinyl tape, and is generally easier for installers to install since it does not require an adhesive backing.

In the end, you can utilize a weather stripping with a flexible design like V-channel or a tension seal to line the track and grooves in which the window slides. This will help create an airtight seal when the window is closed, and can also help reduce drafts in areas such as garages, basements, and attics.

Sash Weights

Many sash windows, even those in relatively good condition, have a range of problems that can cause replacement. Draughts, rattles, and sticking are typical problems but rotting frames, meeting rails, damaged glazing bars, defective weights and sash cables that break or become slack could be the reason. Despite these problems, sash windows remain an extremely popular feature in many buildings. With careful maintenance they can be restored to their former glory.

The most frequent sash window problem is a sash that becomes stuck in its vertical position. This is a simple issue to solve. A coating of silicone spray on the window tracks will allow the sash to slide more easily. To help ease the process, a little steaming can be helpful. If the buildup of paint is causing your sash to stick to the window, you might require an utility blade to cut through the paint layers. Be careful not to damage either the sash, or the frame. Take your time and work slowly.

Accessing the sash weights may be difficult, but it is possible to take them off and replace them as part of the sash window repair. Using the access panel, or by removing the pocket cover, open the window and access the sash weight pockets within the frame. Remove the weights that were previously used and replace them with new ones, making sure that they are balanced.

Once the sash is completely dislodged from its vertical position an elongated pry bar can be used to gently pull it up and back into place. After the sash is moved back into its original position re-engage both the tilt pin, and balance shoe. After the sash has been re-positioned, lock it in position and test its operation.

After all the sash window repair has been completed, it is time to put everything back together. Reinstall the sash and ensure that it is balanced and is running smoothly. Each piece of metal weatherstripping should be lubricated prior to being attached to the side jambs with small brad nails. Reinstall the stop beads and make sure they are not too tight, so that they limit sash movement.

Hardware

A sash window's hardware consists of pulleys, cords and other parts that are designed to make it easy for windows to open and close. As time passes, these components will wear out, contributing to stiffness in the sash. Replacing these components can ensure smooth operation for windows with double-hung windows.

A malfunctioning counterbalance could cause the sash to get stuck. This can be caused by the sash being damaged or missing cord/chain, an unattached the sash weight or a pulley that is not working properly. It is important to check these parts regularly to prevent an issue in the future.

To remove a stuck sash it is necessary to break the paint seal. Start by putting on gloves, then carefully using a flat pry bar to break the paint seal along the vertical stile of the mock sash upvc windows as well as the joining rail and the pocket at the bottom of the sash. Depending on how old and in what condition the windows are, it could be necessary to score the paint seam using a utility blade before you begin. This will allow the glazing putty to be removed without causing any damage to the wood.

Before reinstalling the sash grease the track with silicone-based grease in order to keep it moving at a steady pace. It is also essential to make sure that the sash has an even spacing between the edges and that it is aligned correctly.

The sash will then be covered with new glazing putty. Glazing putty is made up of chalk and linseed oil It's crucial to add the correct amount of chalk to the putty to achieve a uniform consistency. It should be a bit tacky but not sticky.

After the sash has been reinstalled it is important to test it by raising and lowering it. If it's still rigid, it's likely due to an old sash cord, which needs replacing sash cords. It's an easy solution. Start by removing the interior stops and the access doors on each side jamb. Next, feed in a new length sash cord through the pulleys that are on each side jamb. Attach the new sashcords onto the sash, and then secure them at the pockets for sashweights. Finally, replace the access doors to conceal the sash weights.