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

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, double most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the upvc window repairs near me frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. 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 with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary 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 placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Over time 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. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and double cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.