15 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash upvc window repair tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your 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. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with 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 in around the window repairs, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and 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 of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news 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 very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to 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 moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the upvc window repairs becoming soft. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.