Notes

14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Refused To Ask Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of 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. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or 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. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.


Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from 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. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

window repairs is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.

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