The Main Issue With Sash Window Repair, And How You Can Solve It

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and window repair you will require the help of a professional the majority often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and window repair not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing repairs windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.