20 Questions You Should Ask About Window Repair Before You Buy Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be severely damaged from age and neglect. Cosmetic damage could require a replacement. However, functional problems like rattles or draughts are signs that a sash window requires to be repaired.
Steam the sash to loosen it. Then take off the wood pegs using a pin punch and hammer. Make sure to identify and label all parts to ensure that they can be replaced properly in the future.
Wood that is broken or rotten
If left unattended, rotting timber can start to erode brickwork and cause damage to the plaster around the window. It's good to know that this issue is often fixed without replacing the window.
First, make sure the wood is dry. It's important to look at the grain and color of the timber to determine if it is sound and not affected by damp. If the wood is brittle and brown, this means that it's very likely rot has already set in. Verify that the sash's location is supported by a variety of spliced pieces of timber and that they aren't damp.
Another issue that is common is the accumulation of moisture in the corners of the sash frames. If this is the case, it can cause sash frames to bind and become difficult to open. The solution is to clean the sash channels, and then remove any obstruction with the sharp edge of a wood chisel. When the sash channels are clear of any debris and dirt, they can be primed to avoid any future issues with damp.
It's also important to evaluate the wood used in constructing the window frame. It is best to use wood that is similar in grain pattern and color to the wood pieces that are already in use otherwise it could be difficult to blend together the joins. It's also worth considering using a preservative on the timber, as this will help keep it in good condition and prevent rot.
If the wood in your sash windows are damaged and rotten it's a good idea to think about replacing them completely. It is essential to select an alternative window that is in the same style of the windows you have in place to ensure they will look as great once they're installed. Choosing UPVC instead of timber for example, could potentially reduce the value of your property as prospective buyers may think that you have gone against period design choices.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is made to move smoothly, however wood rot or other issues can impact its function. Additionally, a poorly functioning window can lead to drafts and loss of energy efficiency in the home. The longer a sash window remains unattended, the more wear and tear it is likely to experience. This can shorten its lifespan drastically, and it could also cause water or moisture infiltration.
It can be difficult trying to determine the root of a sash-window issue. In many cases replacing the sash may be the solution. Replace one or both of the windows if the issue is caused by rotting wood, misalignment, or an imbalance.
Replacing a single window sash is less expensive than replacing both the frame and glass. It is also simpler than installing a new double-hung window, which requires the removal of a greater amount of trim and parts. If you are looking to replace a sash inside your home, a good way to start is by visually inspecting the existing window and frame. You might notice gaps or misalignments, which can cause the sash tilt and hinder it from staying up.
In most cases, it is possible to fix a double hung sash by taking the trim off and working from the inside of the frame. First, you should remove the interior sash stops that create an internal track that runs along the side of the window that is on the bottom. To do this, spray a hose with water and lightly mist the paint surface of the stop. Then, pry it out using a utility knife. You can then make use of a razor blade remove any nail heads protruding from the back of the stop.
After you've removed the frame and sash to look for an access panel for weights, which is a knockout in the frame that's big enough to allow the weight of a sash through. If your frame doesn't have one, you can create an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangle into the jamb liners made of vinyl to the width of the stile on the sash.
Faulty Sash Weighs
In time the two weights used to move the sash up and down can become disconnected. This can cause the sash's to jam or become stuck in the open position. This is typically due to damaged or worn-out sash cords which need to be replaced.
In the course of this repair it is essential to lay dust sheets wherever it is possible to stop any dirt or debris from reaching your carpet or furniture. This is particularly important if you plan on lifting and moving the window around while working to avoid damaging any part of your home.
Start by carefully removing each bead from the frame on either side with a thin, broad chisel. You should notice a groove running along each side of the sash. It eventually ends with a knot hole that is where the new cord for the sash will be positioned. Take out any knots from the old cord stuck or glued into the hole.
Now you're ready to start replacing the sash cords, starting with the top sash. To do this you need to lower the sash slowly until it hits the bottom sill. Hold it up with the wood either side of the frame. Otherwise it could fall to the floor, causing damage to the glass.
Then, remove the access panel from the frame and retrieve the sashweight and sash cable. Once you have the weight in your hand, remove the dado from the edge of the wood and insert an anchor nail to hold it. Make sure the nail is long enough to reach the sash's pocket as otherwise it won't fit.
Once you have the weight set You can then replace the sash cord by feeding it into the hole. Then, you can push the sash up onto the rails and down into the window box, examine whether it opens and closes, and add more lubrication to the rails if required (we recommend candle wax for wood or silicone spray for vinyl).
If you're replacing both cords ensure they're identical in length to the old ones were in order that when you remove one from its pin, it will fall easily through the sash to rest at the pulley, and then function normally. After the sash has been re-hung it is then possible to re-attach the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Glass that is damaged
A stray baseball or broom handle or an errant pebble thrown by a lawnmower are often enough to crack a window. Glass that has been broken can let water, snow, rain and insects to enter the home. In some instances, the damage caused by shattered glass could necessitate a complete replacement of the window. However, installing new windows is a significant, costly home improvement project. In most instances replacing broken windows is a more affordable option and cheaper.
Before attempting to install new glass, it's important to make sure you thoroughly inspect the existing sash. This will allow you to identify any previously hidden areas in which the wood is beginning to rot or where old weather stripping, glue and other hardware have deteriorated. Taking the time to perform this check will prevent you from having to do more work later on.
After removing the glass, it is a good idea for the wood to be coated with homemade wood preserver. Mix equal amounts of mineral spirit and linseed in order to make the wood preservative. Apply the mixture using a putty blade to the surface of sash, and let it completely dry. This will ensure that the new glass and sash remains water-resistant and lasts for an extended period of time.
If the sash is in good condition, you can repair it without removing the glass. The first step is removing the window stop. It's a vertical piece of wood that is located above the stiles of the window frame. The stop is typically held in place with a small pry bar over a stiff-bladed putty knife. After the stop has been removed, it is possible to divide the stiles and rails by using a soft-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to prevent damaging the profile of the sash. sash windows repair is to remove the muntins which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that divide the individual panes of glass in a Sash.
It's easy to replace broken glass after the muntins have been removed. Insert the metal tabs of each new pane into their slots in the sash and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in place.