14 Misconceptions Common To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, Sash Window Repair you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the local window repair, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. 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 wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even 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

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal 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 the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of 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 draughts.