Is Tech Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create 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 are stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or window repairs worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the local window repair.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

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 new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window repairs open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, 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 the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.