How To Create An Awesome Instagram Video About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues 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 paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against 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 swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash  window repairs  are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

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

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.