The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied 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.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for Sash Window Repair fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and Sash Window Repair stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

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