15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

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

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair timber windows your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and installed carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. 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 windows repair reduce the possibility of draughts.