What Will Sash Window Repair Be Like In 100 Years?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window repairs's cord.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary 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 next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

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 an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.