15 Things To Give The Sash Window Repair Lover In Your Life

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so 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 top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent 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 by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
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 and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can 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 they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Going On this page and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
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 sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.