15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out 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 with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

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 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' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean 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" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In 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. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of upvc window repairs near me sash components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed window repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.