Notes

9 Signs You're The Sash Window Repair Expert
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through 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 accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.


Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With upvc windows repair can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

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

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.

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