5 Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the upvc window repair stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide 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 stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that 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 issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.