Are You Responsible For A Sash Window Repair Budget? 12 Top Ways To Spend Your Money

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally  window repair  will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become 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 may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.