The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues 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 away window repairs near me that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll 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 an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.