Why We Enjoy Sash Window Repair (And You Should Also!)

Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window. Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence. A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it. If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window. A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times. If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated 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. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage. A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove. Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed. As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost. Decay If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot. The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry. First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the “pocket covers” which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. After Caterham window repair have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay. It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window. Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components. Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option. A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work. Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. 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 decrease the possibility of draughts.