9 Signs That You're A Sash Window Repair Expert

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window doctor.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, upvc repairs Near Me they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any upvc repairs near me to the window sash are needed.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative 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 rattles. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.