15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most 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. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a 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, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware.  double glazing Eltham  is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.