14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window repairs frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Be sure to use 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 with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove 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 cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and oldwiki.bedlamtheatre.co.uk even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or oldwiki.bedlamtheatre.co.uk staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept 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). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.