15 Things To Give That Sash Window Repair Lover In Your Life

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available 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 block the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window repairs where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or Window Repairs nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and window repairs general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease 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 efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.