15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could 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 with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

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

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off 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 during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. 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.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the Window doctor near me for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window doctor near me.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when double glazing and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off 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 improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.