The Biggest Problem With Sash Window Repair, And How You Can Fix It

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy 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 scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been 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 an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.