Notes

10 Things Everybody Hates About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

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

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

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used 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 problem 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, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. repairmywindowsanddoors has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a 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 regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.


The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.

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