14 Misconceptions Common To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your repairing double glazed windows-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for Window Repairs the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or repairing double glazed windows glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.