7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and Repair My Windows And Doors keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing repairs Canterbury-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

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

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep into 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 available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly Repair My Windows And Doors that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time, 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 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 a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.