Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Alternative Ways To Say Sash Window Repair Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, 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 she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. window repair are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself 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 throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.


First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so 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 at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

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