The Sash Window Repair Success Story You'll Never Remember

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes 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. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows repairs near me are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections 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. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and break or Sash Window Repair 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 direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.