Notes

What's Holding Back From The Sash Window Repair Industry?
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks 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 works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place 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 with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

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

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, 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. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general 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, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that 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). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

window repairs

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can 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 stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.


A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.

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