Notes

15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes


If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/basingstoke-windowrepair/ 's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/basingstoke-windowrepair/