Indisputable Proof That You Need Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

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

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or window repairs pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.