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

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, Sash Window Repair especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

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 sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and Sash Window Repair rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window glass repair near me will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed 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. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.