10 Inspirational Graphics About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window repairs that's too loose could 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 window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, window repairs but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit 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 when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, window repairs staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.