20 Resources That Will Make You More Effective At Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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 costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazed window repair-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and sash window repair lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window repairs frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.