The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

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 has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible 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 bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be check here applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.