Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and Window Repairs you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.