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11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope 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, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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 next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.


Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.

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