15 Shocking Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and put into the gaps between the upvc window repairs frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of 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 regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, window repair however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean 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 "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the upvc window repairs becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.