How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or Sash Window Repair swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or sash window repair cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. 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 offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. 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

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may need 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 sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. 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 possibility of draughts.