14 Questions You're Insecure To Ask About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

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

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the 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 as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for Window Repairs meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, window repairs the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.