15 Strange Hobbies That Will Make You More Effective At Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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 prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place 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 an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication website of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical 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 the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.