So You've Bought Sash Window Repair ... Now What?

Sash window doctor Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if upvc repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing repair glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.