15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope 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 window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of 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 one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to get more info the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with 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. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve 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 efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.