The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If upvc windows repair happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.