What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, Sash Window Repair then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. 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 hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident 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 resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing double glazed windows sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.