Five Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair

Sash upvc window repair Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen 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 warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

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

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.