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

Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs near me-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or Sash Window Repair hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or sash window repair pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. 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

As time passes sash windows repair windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy 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 open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.