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Sash Window Repair Sash windows add a touch luxury to any house. However, they can be problematic and drafty because of wear and age. Sash window repairs can be a great option for enhancing functionality while maintaining the original elegance. The first step in repairing sash windows is to remove “pocket covers”. These are pieces of wood, low down on the frame that give access to the weights. Damaged sashes If your sash windows are damaged or leaking air and water, you'll need to do more than just patch the surface. Performing a more comprehensive repair will save you money in the long run, especially if you have a older house that has poor insulation. Here are some common sash window problems and how to fix them: Problems with Sticking It will be difficult to shut or open the window when the sash doesn't fit properly into the frame. This can result in rattling noises and let drafts into your home. To get rid of this issue you can use a utility knife to cut the paint line on the interior side of the sash, then remove it. Be careful not to scratch the wood. You'll then need to apply a sash oil, which will help it move smoothly. Broken Sash Cords In certain instances, the old double-hung sashes are made of cords made of metal or cotton to support the weights that raise and lower the sashes. As time passes, these cords can break, rendering it impossible to lift or hold the sash up. Follow these steps to fix it: Remove the sash from the frame and pull it to the right until it is completely open. Pull the cord from the bottom of the sash. Cut it, and then remove any nails that are protruding from the end. Pull the nail free with needle-nose pliers, and then insert it back into the side channel. The knot of the cord should be tucked into the hole and secure it with an nail set. Install the staff beads and put them back in the sash. Be sure to leave enough slack in the cords to allow for optimal operation. Reinstall the balances and counterweights. Decorators caulk is an excellent way to prevent draughts. Apply small amounts between the bead box for staff. Glazing putty is a great option to repair the sash after it has been repaired. Glazing putty is typically made of linseed oil and chalk. Mix in enough chalk to make the putty usable and not stick to your fingers. Allow the putty to 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), chains or cotton cords are affixed to counterweights. Over time, the cords may break, preventing the sashes from opening or closing and makes it difficult to lower or raise the window. Replacing the sash's cords is a simple home fix that can solve these issues within less than a half hour. Remove the staff bead which divides the upper and lower sashes. You can remove the bead using needle-nose pliers. Typically, a nail is inserted through the knot into the casing of the sash to secure it. Remove any rusty nail from the stop beads, and then clean the caulk as well as the old cord residue and paint around the sash groove. To open the window pull one of the cords running through the sash. Once you've pulled it as far as it can be make a mark on the cord using pencil, and then cut it to length using an utility knife. After you've finished, make sure that the new cord is in alignment with the groove of the sash. Also, tie it to the sash by knotting a knot. If the sash remains too high to move, you can use your sharp side cutters to cut and remove the old cords. Once the sash has been removed, you'll need to remove the access panel within the sash channel in order to expose the sash weight pockets, the counterweights, as well as the pulley system. If the window is painted you might need to score the seams with a hammer and chisel to remove the access panel without damaging the paint. After you have removed the access panel you will find 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 by using self-tightening knot. After tying the new cords, you'll need to reconnect the sash weights and then reset the pulley system to ensure it functions properly. Drafts Sash windows are a fantastic way to add a touch old-fashioned charm to homes. However they can be difficult to maintain. They can be difficult to open or close, rattle in the wind, and let drafts in. These issues could be caused by swollen or painted wood, or rotted sash cords. There are a variety of easy and cost-effective ways to address these issues and keep your sash windows functioning properly. The first step in repairing an old sash window is to disassemble it. Take off the sash and frame and make sure all components are in good shape. Sand the wood to make it look better and to prevent drafts. A small amount silicone spray or wax can make the sash glide more easily. If the sash remains stuck to the wall, use a utility knife to cut any paint layers. A new set of tilt-pins can make the window more efficient. Weights are placed over pulleys in order to counterbalance the weight of the sash window . The weights are typically cast iron and can be accessed from an access panel or pocket cover inside the inner box lining of the frame. To prevent the weights from colliding, a dividing strip is suspended within the frame to ensure they do not collide. It can be difficult to access these weights, as the upper sash can be painted shut and nailed into place. If you're patient and careful, you can remove the sash by using bar clamps, reversed to disperse, to ease it out of its groove in the rails that meet. You may need to tap and jiggle to loosen it, but once it's out, inspect the sash and replace it if necessary with new rope. While you're at the same time, you can also replace the balance of the sash to make it easier to open and close. It's a lot easier than you imagine to replace a double-hung window balance. You can do it yourself if have the right tools and a replacement kit. Rotten sill Even the best-maintained windows can eventually begin to show signs of rot. If the rot only affects the sill of the window, it could be possible to restore it. If, however, it has progressed through the frame to the interior of the home and has damaged structural members it's probably the right time to replace it. If you have a rotten sill, it is important to replace it before it causes further damage to your window. The first step is removing the sill plates and studs. You may have to install temporary support if the studs are weight-bearing. After removing the old sill and cleaning any remaining paint from the sill plate. After cleaning the sill then replace it with a new board and nail it into the studs. A sill that is rotten is not just ugly, it can cause costly repairs in the future. For example, it can cause the sash's to shift which is difficult to detect and could lead to a cracked or bowed glass pane. A rotten sill may also let water in the wall, causing mold. Replacing a rotten sill is not as hard as it might sound. It is vital to maintain your window to prevent rot, so you must regularly clean the window tracks and sashes to keep them clear of dirt and other debris. Apply a protective seal on the window frames to keep them dry. You can also utilize a humidifier to control the humidity inside your home. This will stop wooden sashes sticking or swelling. Sticking sashes are a common issue with windows made of sash. To get them out of the way you can apply small amounts of wax or silicone spray to the tracks of your windows to help them slide more easily. If the windows are stuck due to paint buildup, you could employ a utility knife to cut through the layers of paint to release the sashes. Another way to solve a sticking sash is to put back in the parting bead. If the sash remains sticking, you can also consider draught-proofing it. This involves placing a strip of rubber between the frame of the sash and sash. This will reduce airflow and improves the acoustic properties.