15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Ignore Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights 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 she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A upvc window repairs that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove 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'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. 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 has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing 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 occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.