Notes

What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could 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 replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. upvc window repair of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could 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" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.


It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

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

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