14 Misconceptions Common To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen, Sash Window Repair it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be 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 placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window repair near sash components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.