20 Resources That'll Make You Better At Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass window repair and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify 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 have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll 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 a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a 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 more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive 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, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and sash window repair start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.