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20 Fun Infographics About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.


Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing 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 can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber 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. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Additionally, with 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 be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.

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