7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into 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

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems 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. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have 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 use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make 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 that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, Window repairs they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible 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 next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.