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

Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior Sash Window Repair one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. 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 by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and sash window repair apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

In 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 touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash windows repair's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.