15 Surprising Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take 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 however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. window repairs near me and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.

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Pub: 03 Feb 2024 21:32 UTC
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