Three Reasons Why The Reasons For Your Sash Window Repair Is Broken And How To Fix It

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger 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 with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, Window Repairs improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor window Repairs flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling 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. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

double glazed window repairs and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.