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10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Regarding Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of 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. window repairs reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if website is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

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 gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to 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 a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve 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 to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.


The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.

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