14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window. Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sticking Sashes If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance. Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips. You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it. If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation. Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances. Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer. Draughts Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use. Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window. Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed 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 sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency. Decay The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay. The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry. First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect 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 pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way. Poor Security Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work. In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement. It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option. A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset. This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. Redbridge window repair may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.