How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major install cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash window repair window problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve 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 also reduce draughts.