Notes

The Biggest Issue With Sash Window Repair, And How You Can Repair It
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts


Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. window repairs , they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly 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 solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has 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 could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.

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