Five Tools That Everyone Within The Sash Window Repair Industry Should…

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

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

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

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 typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, window repair which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes, the bottom rails may 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 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 double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

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