Is Tech Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and Sash Window Repair air which could increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

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 cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and Sash Window Repair staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting 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 is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove 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 an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

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

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash windows repair to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.