5 Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. 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 seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and window repair reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window repairs that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' 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 method of draughtproofing 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 may be an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.