11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved 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 place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

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 a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart 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 old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, Sash Window Repair or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible 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 beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash windows repair cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.