Are You Making The Most From Your Sash Window Repair?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems 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 accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off 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). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along 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 start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window replacement (special info), too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window doctor's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.