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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch of luxury to any house. They can become drafty and troublesome as they age. Sash window repairs are a great way of making them more functional and preserving the original appearance. The first step in fixing windows that have sash windows is to take off “pocket covers”. These are small pieces of wood that sit at the bottom of the frame and let the weights in. Sashes damaged by abrasions If your sash windows have been damaged or leaking air it is necessary to go beyond patch the surface. You can save money by completing a more thorough repair, particularly if your home is old and has poor insulation. Here are some typical problems with sash windows and how to fix them: Sticking Issues It is difficult to shut or open the window in the event that the sash does not fit properly into the frame. This can cause rattling noises and let drafts in your home. To fix this, use an utility knife to score and cut off the paint line on the interior side of your sash. Be careful not to damage the wood. Then, you'll need to apply a sash oil, which will allow it to move smoothly. Broken Sash Cords In some instances, older double-hung sashes utilize metal or cotton cords to support the weights used to lift and lower the sashes. Over time, these cords may break, making it difficult to lift the sash or keep it up. Follow these steps to fix it: Pull the sash to the right and then remove it from the frame. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash, then cut it, and then remove any nails protruding from the end. Remove the nail using needle-nose pliers, then reinsert it into the side channel. Incorporate the cord knot into the hole, and secure it using the nail set. Install the staff beads and install the sash. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to ensure optimal operation. Finally, reinstall the balances and counterweights. To minimize draughts small amount of decorators caulk can be placed between the staff bead and the box. Glazing putty can be used to fix the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is made by mixing chalk and linseed. Mix with enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling the sash and painting the frame. Broken sash cords To support and balance the sashes in old double-hung windows (two sashes), cotton cords or chains are attached to the counterweights. Over time, the cords can break which prevents the sashes from opening or closing, making it difficult to raise or lower the window. The cords for sashes can be replaced in less than an hour. Remove the staff bead which is what separates the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is inserted through the knot and into the sash's casing to secure it. Remove any nail that is rusty from the stop beads, and then clean the caulk, old cord residue, and paint around the sash groove. To open the window, pull one of the cords that run through the sash to raise it up. Once you've pulled it to the maximum extent it can be then mark the cord with a pencil and cut it to length using an utility knife. Once you're done, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove on the sash. Also, tie it to the sash using a knot. If the sash remains too high to move, you can use your sharp side cutters to cut off and remove the old cords. After the sash is removed, you'll need to remove the access panels inside the sash channels in order to expose the counterweights and pulley system. If the window is painted, you may have to cut the seams with the hammer and chisel in order to remove the access panel without damaging the paint. After you have removed the access panel you will see two cast-iron sashweights inside each pocket. Take the one on the back and the other on the front, then tie each sash cord to a weight with self-tightening knot. After you tie the new cords, you'll need reconnect the sash weights and then reset the pulley system so that it works correctly. Drafts Sash windows are an excellent way to add a touch old-fashioned charm to homes. However they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open and close and can rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These problems are often caused by swelling of the wood paint buildup, the sash cords have begun to rot. Fortunately, there are many affordable and cost-effective solutions to repair these issues and keep your sash windows functioning effectively. Disassembling an old sash is a first step to repairing it. Take off the sash and frame and make sure the components are in good working order. Next, sand down the wood to enhance its appearance and stop draughts. A small amount of silicone or wax spray can aid in allowing the sash to slide more easily. If the sash is still stuck, use a knife to cut through any paint layers and remove it. A new set of tilt pins could also enhance the window's functionality. Weights are passed over pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of windows with sash. The weights, typically made of cast iron can be accessed through an access panel or pocket within the lining of the box. A dividing strip is placed inside the window frame to prevent the weights from colliding. It can be difficult to get these weights out, as the upper sash can be painted shut and nailed into place. However, if you are patient and careful you can easily remove the sash using bar clamps that are reversed and disperse, to ease it out of the groove in the rails that meet. It could take a little bit of tapping and jiggling to get it free however once you have it out, be sure to inspect the sash cord and replace it with a new rope (not cotton) in the event that it is required. window sash repairs can also alter the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close the window. Replacing a double-hung sash window balance is a lot easier than it seems and you can do it yourself with the proper tools and replacement kit. Rotten sill Even the most well-maintained windows will eventually exhibit signs of decay. If the rot is restricted to the sill, it could be possible to fix the window. If the rot has spread to the frame and even into the interior, and has damaged structural elements it could be the time to replace the window. It is important to replace a rotten window sill before it causes damage to the window. The first step is to remove the old sill plates and studs. It is possible to put in temporary support in the event that the studs bear weight. After taking off the sill, clean any paint left on the sill plate. After cleaning the sill and replacing it with a new board and then nail it into the studs. A sill that is rotten is not just unsightly but can cause costly repairs in the near future. It could, for instance, cause the sash, which is hard to spot to see, to move. This can result in a cracked, bowed or damaged glass pane. Additionally, a rotten sill can allow water to get into the wall, which can cause mold and other issues. Replacing a damaged or rotting sill is not as hard as it might sound. To prevent rot you must keep the window clean and free of dirt and debris. You should also apply a protective seal to the frames of your windows to shield them from moisture. You can also utilize humidifiers to manage the moisture in your home. This will prevent the wooden sashes from sticking or expanding. Sticking sashes are a common issue for windows with sash. To resolve them it is possible to apply a small amount of wax or silicone spray onto the window tracks to allow them to slide more easily. If the sashes are stuck due to the buildup of paint, you can use an utility knife to cut the paint layers and remove the sashes. Reinstalling the parting beads is another way to repair a sash that is stuck. If the sash is sticking, you can also consider draught-proofing it. This involves putting a rubber strip in the gaps between the frame and the sash which decreases air flow and improves the acoustic quality of your window.