The History Of Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and service keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazed window repair-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

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

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll 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 concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and service recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk 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 a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.