Why We Why We Sash Window Repair (And You Should Too!)

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and timber then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Triple and double glazing repairs near me glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.