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14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair Sash Window Repair Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts 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 puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence. Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips. Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it. If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window. Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often. You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes 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. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer 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 block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash. As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost. Decay The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot. The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry. The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay. It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way. window repairs near me Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage 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 beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window. As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components. Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough. This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.