15 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in 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 sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for window repair many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. 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 wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed upvc door repairs near me to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can 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 assess the situation, and recommend any door repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will 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 enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.