The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place 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 cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, take off 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). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs 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 touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double glazed window repairs and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

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