20 Resources That Will Make You More Efficient At Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, install you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course 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 solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window repairs sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and install rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. 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 filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

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