Five Tools Everybody In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Utilizing Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.


One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems 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 accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used 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 major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber 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 on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. 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 to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.