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20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. window repairs that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

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 times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during 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 allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering 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 can be effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary 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 that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.