15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window repairs without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

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 strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can 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 decrease the possibility of draughts.