20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the upvc window repair near me frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as 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 degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs - Going in Technetbloggers - are necessary.

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 the touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.