Why We Are In Love With Sash Window Repair (And You Should Also!)

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are  Corby double glazing repair  can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout 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 up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.