10 Things Everybody Hates About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every 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 could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, window repairs staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the upvc window repairs could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.