Are You Getting The Most Value From Your Sash Window Repair?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazed window repairs-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, Sash Window Repair or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash windows repair strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've 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. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible 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 slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.