Notes

10 Myths Your Boss Has About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved 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. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.


A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. double glazing Stratford can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.

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