Common problems with traditional sash windows advice, Home window restoration tips, Property refurb

Common problems with traditional sash windows guide

24 Jan 2023

Sash windows can be some of the most beautiful and nostalgic features found in many British homes, but due to their age, they are unfortunately prone to issues and often require repair.

Moreover, sash window restoration and modernization are required to improve the energy efficiency of traditional sash windows.

This article discusses the common issues related to sash windows and how to resolve them.

Issue 1: Sticking of the Frame/Sash

Sticking or jamming of the frame or sash can happen when paint or dirt accumulates tight between the surfaces of the movable parts, which prevents them from moving freely.

After a painting job is done, it can be very disheartening to discover that the sash can is stuck due to an excess of paint. In the case of wooden casement windows, The paint may have pooled in between the hinges, plus any other crevices, making it difficult to open or close the can properly.

Thankfully, there are a few easy solutions for tackling this issue, such as using a putty knife to remove the excess paint and lubricating all moving parts with WD-40 or another suitable lubricant.

If the sash is stuck due to a broken sash cord or pulley, then more sophisticated repairs may be necessary.

To fix this issue, you will need to get a replacement cord or pulley. You can find the correct parts online, at hardware stores, or even through a local window specialist.

To replace snapped sash cord, you will need to follow the steps below:

• Examine the staff bead and determine how it is held in place within the window frame. It may be secured with screws, nails, or glue.
• Unscrew, remove nails, or dissolve any adhesive holding the bead in place with a solvent like alcohol or acetone.
• Gently lift and twist off the staff bead from around the perimeter of the window frame.
• Carefully cut away any part of the old sash cord that is still attached to one end of the staff bead and discard it properly.
• Take your new sash cord and fit it into channels on each side of the staff bead before reattaching it to the window frame using either screws or nails (glue will not hold).
  Ensure that there is some extra cord at both ends so that when pulled in opposite directions to open and close windows, cords will move freely without becoming overly taut or too loose.
• To finish up your repair job, retie knots at either end of your new cord; this will help secure its position within the grooves of staff beads and ensure proper tension when opening/closing windows in future use!

Issue 2: Deterioration of timber in the Frame/Sash

Over time, wood frames and sashes may become worn down due to decay, rot and weathering caused by exposure to rain, sun, wind and other outdoor elements.

To fix this issue, you need to identify where these problems are located on your window frames and then sand off any loose material, as well as apply a preservative oil/varnish if needed.

You may also need to reinforce certain areas using timber wedges or silicone sealant around gaps to fill any voids before repainting if desired.

Issue 3: Broken or Damaged Glazing Bars, Sashes or Frames

When windows become loose over time, it can cause fractures or cracks in glazing bars, sashes or even entire window frames that require repairs.

To repair these, you will need to start by removing whatever glass panes are damaged before replacing them appropriately with new ones secured firmly into place using putty.

This should also ensure any broken bars are fixed as part of the process, given how integral they are for providing support for both sides of a window’s frame structure during movement across different planes.

Issue 4: Poor Weatherstripping or Seals That Allow Air/Water Infiltration

Poor Window weatherstripping is one of the primary causes why air infiltrates through windows, making it especially difficult for heating costs to soar during winter months because cold air enters while hot air escapes at an alarming rate!

To increase energy efficiency again in your home, you need to locate areas where existing weatherstripping has been damaged by age before applying an appropriate sealant based on whether you have wooden/vinyl/aluminium frames, respectively, as this will help keep temperatures balmy throughout all seasons while protecting furniture from condensation damage too!

Common problems with traditional sash windows Conclusion

In conclusion, common issues with sash windows include sticking of the frame/sash, deterioration of materials in its frames/sashes, broken glazing bars or cracked window frames, as well as faulty seals that let air or water infiltrate inside your home’s interior spaces.

To keep the damage from worsening, it is helpful to do regular inspections and sand wood components, fill gaps around frames for reinforcement, and replace worn weatherstripping.

Comments on this guide to Common problems with traditional sash windows article are welcome.

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