15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window repairs near me where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window repairs near me frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off 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 can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.