10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking 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 view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

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 liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes 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 problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window repair near me sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing near me glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. 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 also reduce draughts.