20 Things You Must Know About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash upvc window repairs near me (top article) are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

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 may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance 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 sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.