Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. 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 draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs 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 staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against 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 should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and Sash Window Repair general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the local window repair becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.