14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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 off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in 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 are effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on 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 is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window repairs draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

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

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

double glazed window repairs and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.