20 Fun Infographics About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority times.
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. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
window repair near me is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove 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 down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. 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.