How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and window Repair oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece 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, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, 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 may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired 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 the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could 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 swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary 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 house. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.