20 Resources Thatll Make You More Successful At Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get 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 windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be 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 on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each 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 may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of 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 essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once upvc window repair is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.