3 Reasons Your Sash Window Repair Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or sash window repair by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and sash window repair not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window repair near could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.<img src="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpg