The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent 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 alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow 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 off. 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 is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

window repairs  is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In time, 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 touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.