Sash Window Repair

Many homeowners repair their sash window to improve their appearance or make their home more energy efficient. This can be done on an DIY basis or a professional can offer the service.

Full-frame replacements cost $150 to $500 depending on the material used and the window's condition. Restoring the sash is a cheaper alternative.

Glass Replacement

The sash window repair process involves a variety of different tasks, such as stripping paint, steaming, scraping, setting glass and glazing putty, priming, and reinstalling the sash. These tasks can be tedious and time-consuming, however it's important to do these tasks in order to ensure your sash windows appear and function at their best. A well-maintained sash can add value and character to your home, while aiding in reducing energy costs.

If your windows in sash are in bad condition, it's likely that they're not functioning properly or let drafts into the house. This could be due broken sash double glazing cords, or it could be that the sash has been painted shut and needs to be repainted. This is fixable without the need for a complete replacement.

A sash that is stuck within the frame may be difficult to open and can cause rattles and drafts when the wind blows. If the sash is painted shut but is not broken, you may open it with a utility knife to cut the paint layers. If the sash is just sticky using silicone or wax spray to the window tracks may help it move more easily.

Check that the counterweights and sash weights have not been damaged or decayed. This will ensure that the sash is able to be pulled open and closed. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the sash is fully coated and does not have any glass panes.

During the sash window repair process, it's also worth removing the pocket covers and scoring paint with a knife around the perimeter of each one to take it off. It is important to do this with care to avoid damaging the timber. After the sash is removed, you can clean it off with a damp sponge and a brush.

After cleaning the sash it is now ready to be repaired. The majority of hardware stores sell glazing putty, which is made of chalk and linseed. It is essential to add chalk to the putty in order to make it workable, as it will prevent it from sticking to your fingers when you apply it to the sash. When the sash is set, it's a good idea to allow it to dry completely prior to installing it again.

Weatherstripping

Over time, the moving parts of a sash windows can break or wear out. Repairing these parts as they wear out can prevent further damage and reduce the loss of energy. You can often do this using replacement parts, which are cheaper than replacing sash cords the whole window. Repairing your sliding, double-hung or single-hung sash window is fairly easy.

The first step is to take off the old sash. The sash can be removed from the frame easily or require construction work depending on the condition of the windows. Once the sash has been removed, you can inspect it for damage and wear. If there is any rot or deterioration, it's possible to replace it with brand new parts. Usually these parts aren't expensive and readily available at your local hardware store.

Put the sash back into the frame if it is in good condition. This will help restore your window's function and provide a tighter seal against the elements. But, prior to installing your sash, you should apply some weather stripping to the sill as well as the top of the window. This will keep the cold air out and keep the warm air inside during winter.

There are a number of different kinds of weather stripping you can select from. Choose the best weather stripping for your needs. Certain kinds are more durable. For instance foam tape is made of closed-cell or open-cell foam, and has an adhesive back. This type of weather stripping is ideal to seal gaps around the bottom of a door or sash.

Another type of weather seal is a flexible EPDM rubber strip which is usually cut to the size required and glued along the edges of a door or window frame. This type of weather tape provides a better sealing than vinyl tape and is generally simpler for installers to install since it doesn't require an adhesive backing.

Finally, you can use 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 helps to create an impervious seal when the window is closed, and can also help reduce drafts in areas such as garages, basements, and attics.

Sash Weights

Even windows with sash in good condition can be afflicted by a range of problems, which may result in their replacement. Draughts, rattles and sticking are typical problems however, rotting frames and meeting rails, damaged glazing bars, defective weights and sash cables that break or have become slack can also be to blame. Despite these problems Sash windows are popular on many buildings and, with careful renovation, they can be restored to their previous glory.

The most frequent issue with windows made of sash is that the sash becomes stuck in its vertical position. Fortunately, this is easy to resolve. A thin layer of silicone applied to the window tracks will help the sash slide more smoothly. Steaming can help to ease the process. If the buildup of paint causes your sash to stick to the window, you might need to use an utility blade to cut through the paint layers. It is important to be careful not to harm the frame or sash by working slowly and with care.

Accessing the sash weights can be difficult, however it is possible to remove and replace them as part of the sash window repair. Utilizing the access panel or by removing the cover for the pocket, open the window and gain access to the sash weight pockets inside the frame. Remove the weights you have previously installed and replace them with new ones, ensuring that they are balanced.

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

Once the sash window repair has been completed, it's time to put it back together. Reinstall the sash, and make sure it is balanced and runs smoothly. Every piece of weatherstripping should be lubricated prior to being attached to the side jambs using small brad nails. Install the stop beads again and make sure they are not too tight, limiting sash movement.

Hardware

The hardware for a sash window is comprised of pulleys, cords, and other parts that are designed to make it easier for windows to open and close. Over time, these parts can wear out, contributing to stiffness in the sash. The parts can be replaced to restore smooth operation of a double-hung window.

A faulty counterbalance system can cause a sash to become stuck. This can be caused either due to a broken or loose cord or sash chain, a faulty pulley or a sash weight. It is essential to check these components regularly to avoid an issue down the road.

To get rid of a sash that is stuck it is necessary to break the paint seal. Begin by putting on gloves and carefully using the flat pry bar to break the seal of paint along the vertical stile of the sash and also the sash's meeting 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 for you to cut the paint seam with an utility blade prior to you begin. This will allow the glazing putty to be removed without damaging the wood.

Before you reinstalling your sash apply silicone-based fluid to ensure that it moves smoothly. It's also important to ensure that the sash lock door handles is properly aligned with a consistent spacing and gaps between the edges.

The sash will be covered in new glazing putty. Glazing putty is made up of linseed oil and chalk, and it's important to add the correct amount of chalk to the putty to achieve a uniform consistency. It should feel tacky, but not sticky.

It is crucial to test the sash by raising it and lowering it. If the sash remains rigid and slack, an old sash cable that needs to be replaced is likely to be the reason. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Start by removing the interior stops as well as the doors for access on each side jamb. Then, feed a new length of sash cord through the pulleys on the jambs of each side. Attach the new sashcords to your sash, and then secure them at the pockets for sashweights. Replace the access doors with new ones to conceal the sashweights.