15 Amazing Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on 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 washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. 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 off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the time 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 roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean 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 position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take 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. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay.  window repairs near me  is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease draughts.