Are You Getting The Most Of Your Sash Window Repair?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another reason for the jam could be 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 the majority times.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window 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 will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need 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 general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash  window repairs  are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.