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

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

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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

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

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can 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 aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This upvc door repair will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.