Three Reasons Why You're Sash Window Repair Is Broken (And How To…

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents 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 the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved near by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use 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-based lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door repair and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

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

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair 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 the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from 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" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing near me 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 will require replacement.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

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