14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Anxious To Ask Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and febstore.com set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve 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 efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.