Write About Everything

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It’s a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They’ll rattle during an icy storm and you’ll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the 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 caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You’ll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn’t easy to fix and you’ll require the help of a professional most of the time.

If a pin doesn’t fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it’s a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you’ll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you’ve used it you’ll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes 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 using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with 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 applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it’s a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It’s much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you’ll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down 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 away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn’t be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren’t properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and window repair recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window’s components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing near me and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash’s box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.