10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Concerning Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to open the window repairs and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws 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 performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary 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" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.