15 Gifts For The Sash Window Repair Lover In Your Life

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. straight from the source 'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, 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. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.