7 Things About Sash Window Repair You ll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

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

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or window repairs painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high 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 rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window repairs becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of 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 also reduce the risk of draughts.