Are You Getting The Most From Your Sash Window Repair? Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights 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, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops 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. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repair s are necessary.

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

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.