Why We Love Sash Window Repair (And You Should, Too!) Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches 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 she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.


Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

window repairs is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.