20 Fun Details About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for Window Repair sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and window repair put into the gaps between the glass window repair 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 throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

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

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead 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 improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.