15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied 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 the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the double glazing repair near me frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.