15 Amazing Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window repair Ruislip that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart 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 old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or repairmywindowsanddoors sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in 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 can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and repairmywindowsanddoors fix any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

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

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.