7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Kn…

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set 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 when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

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 an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and window repairs could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, window repairs and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, clean 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 "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with 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 seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.