14 Questions You're Insecure To Ask About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights 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 that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems 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 been accumulating. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. 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.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each 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 can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and window repair improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and window repair determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.