What's Holding Back The Sash Window Repair Industry?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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 helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in 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 use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found 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 continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used 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 a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window repairs and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or window repairs staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.