Why We Our Love For Sash Window Repair (And You Should Also!)

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and Sash Window Repair costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, sash window repair or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.