What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior Window Doctor one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets 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 better gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops 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 catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary 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 top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash Window doctor are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off 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). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or window doctor pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash 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 happens, the structural integrity may 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 an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash 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 an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.