The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, 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. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly 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.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window replacement becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve 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 improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.