20 Fun Informational Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the Window Doctor.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window doctor draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or Upvc window repairs degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position 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 low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be 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 removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.