Three Reasons Why 3 Reasons Why Your Sash Window Repair Is Broken (And…

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and sash window repair rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the local window repair too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window repair near me frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.