An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Sash Window Repair Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights 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, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.


Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. window repair Mitcham could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your 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 give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

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 the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.