10 Things Everybody Hates About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. 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. 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 catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

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 alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing near me windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, Window Repairs take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then 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 enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.