11 Ways To Fully Redesign Your Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then 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 in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and Window repairs you'll have to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if 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 around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and window repairs sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove 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 position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the glass window repair the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.