15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring 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 scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. 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 course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've 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 an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window repairs near me becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce 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 enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.