20 Fun Infographics About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and window repairs perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or window repairs resealing of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing near me glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, 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 persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of 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 efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.