How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine 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 rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and window and door repair near me then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

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 indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may 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 in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.