Notes

9 Signs That You're A Sash Window Repair Expert
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay 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 double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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 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.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.


Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. window repair between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.

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