Notes

5 Tools Everyone Involved In Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Making Use Of
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 nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, 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 some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

upvc window repair is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed 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 sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.


It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.

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