20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window repairs stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands 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 window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them 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 slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under 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 sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.