Notes

What's Holding Back This Sash Window Repair Industry?
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.


Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. mouse click the next page will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

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

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