Why We Love Sash Window Repair And You Should Also

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.
window repairs that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In browse this site , wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It could 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 on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.