This Is A Sash Window Repair Success Story You ll Never Believe

Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the upvc window repair frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

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 will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will 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 sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied 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 string, window repairs staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

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

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of 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 also reduce the risk of draughts.