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Sash Window Repairs When sash windows aren't maintained correctly, they may lose functionality. This can lead to drafts, energy loss, and moisture damage. Paint can peel and crack leaving the timber exposed to the elements. Professional joiners can repaint and restore the stain, repairing any damage and securing it for the future. An easel is an excellent tool to work on sash windows because it gives you a stable base to work from. A reliable scraper is vital. Broken or damaged Sash Cords Over time, sash cables may become brittle and snap or break. This is usually caused by a problem with the window itself, such as broken pulleys. However, it can also occur when the sash is shut and opened repeatedly. The sash may be difficult to move without much effort or sticking. To fix damaged cords for sash, first open the window and look for the parting bead, which is a thin strip of wood that separates the sashes that are lower and upper. Gently pry the bead away from the frame with the screwdriver. After removing the bead you can begin to remove the sash. After the sash has been completely removed, you will need to locate the two cast iron weights that are housed in a pocket on the opposite side of the sash. Typically, there is one weight in the back (towards the outside of the window frame) and the other one in front (towards the interior side of the frame). Remove both of them from their pockets and put them aside. After you have removed the counterweights, you can remove the access panel from the sash channel. You may need screws or a chisel to remove the panel depending on the type of window you own. You will be able see the spring coil which retracts the sash cords when the panel is removed. If the spring isn't working correctly, you will notice the window trying to move or feel some resistance. Re-coiling the coil will solve this issue. After the spring has been re-coiling, you can secure it with an individual cord. It is essential to do this in a proper manner since a loose knot can cause the cords to break and not retracting when you need them. After the cords are re-tied, you can replace access panels and the jambliner. Slide the sash onto the wall. Double-check the new cords to make sure they are long enough and securely tied. After that, you are able to re-insert the sash cords in the slots and holes on the sides of the lower sash and put the counterweights back in their pockets. You can now test your work. Slide the sash up-and-down to ensure it moves smoothly. Air leaks and drafts Sash windows can develop drafts and air leaks from age, damage to the window or just poor construction. These issues can be a sign that the windows are ready to be replaced. However they can be fixed with a bit of effort. One of the most frequent air leak and draft problems is caused by weather stripping that is worn or no weather stripping in any way. Foam tape or similar products should be used to seal the gaps between the sash frame. This will help seal the gap and keep the hot or cold air out. If the weather stripping has been damaged or folded over or is missing, this can result in drafts and energy inefficiency. It's important to note that if the timber on your window is starting to decay, you'll probably have to replace it completely. It's not always the case. Your Tasker might be able of saving the timber by making some shrewd repairs. The most effective way to determine whether your sash window's timber is decaying is to use a screwdriver to push through the wood and see if it penetrates all the way. Another repair that is simple is replacing the pocket covers and parting bead. It's as easy as scoring the paint using a utility knife between the frame and sash and then removing the pocket cover or the parting bead with the help of a scraper. It's simple 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 being functional and attractive once more! It is not always possible to repair old sash windows that are thought to be beyond repair. However, the vast majority are able to be repaired and last for a long time. It's a good idea hire a Tasker for any window repairs that require more work than just scratch or corrosion treatments, since these tasks can take longer to be completed. However, most Taskers are able to finish these kinds of tasks completed in a few hours, or less. Rotting Wood When wood rots it becomes less able to hold nails or other fasteners. This loss of structural strength can eventually result in window damage, or even complete collapse. If your windows made of wood are rotting, patching can be a viable fix however replacement is usually an option that is more effective. To avoid rotting, examine your windows on a regular basis for evidence of moisture buildup. Then, take steps to correct any issues that you spot. It is recommended to clean your windows after regular maintenance to remove dirt, grime and other particles that may hinder the movement of windows' sashes. Dehumidifiers can also be used to regulate humidity, since too much moisture can cause the wood to swell and stick. To keep sash windows operating smoothly, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of wax to the window tracks and sashes to provide lubrication. If a sash gets 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 may be caused by air leaks or drafts. You can seal the draft using rope caulk, foam tape or other adhesives. Wood filler can be used to repair a window that has minimal decay. To ensure a seamless appearance make sure you choose a filler that is compatible with your wood's color and type. Once the filler has dried and is smooth, sand it before painting. If you notice a section of sash that's totally rotten, replacing it with a new piece of wood is the best choice. It can be difficult to take apart old wooden sash windows However, it's important to keep as much of the original frame intact as possible to cut down on labor costs and prevent any unnecessary damage. Before beginning the process, take a photograph of the window as it's assembled to serve as a reference point during the disassembly process. It's also an excellent idea to construct an easel from framing lumber so that you can work from a standing position and have the best angles for scraping and glazing. This job is made much easier with a top scraper, such as the Bahco, which allows you to adjust the blades to the perfect angle for the curved parts of the sash. Frame Damaged As windows age, the frame can get damaged or decayed. The good news is that it's usually possible to fix these wooden frames rather than replacing them. However this is a large project that requires a lot of materials. This is a task that takes from a few hours to a full day. A professional can take away rotted parts or wood fillers and apply natural preservatives in order to prolong the life of your windows. This will help you save money on your energy bills and stop drafts from entering your house. A tasker will also replace damaged or rotting sills and other parts of the sash. They typically utilize the original window as a reference, so you don't need to purchase a new set. To repair a damaged sash first steam the sash to remove any varnish or paint. Then scrape on front page down to bare wood before priming and reinstalling the glazing putty and glass. Then, sand the frame and sash to a smooth finish and apply two coats of primer and paint. The earliest sashes were joined with wooden pegs tapered and driven through a mortise and tenon. This type of joint is a bit more difficult to disassemble and will require the use of a handsaw, a knife or a pick to cut through the glueline. Later sashes made use of glue, which is easier to disassemble. After the sash has been repaired, it's time to install the vinyl track into the frame. Use a screwdriver for release of the pawls on each terminal that locks, and then lower the sash until it's in the jamb liners of vinyl and snaps into its place. It's important to apply glazing putty prior replacing your sash. This is a mix of chalk and linseed oil it is available for purchase it from any hardware store. Keep a few extra pieces of chalk in your inventory to make the putty more workable and for cleaning. After the putty has been mixed, knead it until it's smooth. Add additional chalk if needed to create an even consistency.