Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass window repair and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, Sash window repair since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve 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 improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.