What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window repair near me gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered 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 old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of 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.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or Window Repairs on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or Window repairs hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and Window Repairs tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then 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 option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash 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 window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.