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

Sash windows can go out of balance and 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, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can find this at 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 may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched 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 even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.


Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, take off window repair near me from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.

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