So , You've Purchased Sash Window Repair ... Now What?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can 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 that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If  window repairs near me  continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower 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, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance 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 sash's operation and reduce draughts.