14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as 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 prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a 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 a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for a jam is 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.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the duration of your window repairs's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance 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 efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.