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20 Things You Need To Know About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging 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 and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts


Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from 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 revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

upvc window repair near me and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.

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