10 Things Everyone Hates About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Clean 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 on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

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

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, lock cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the duration of your upvc window repair's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

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

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.