Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to 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 reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, window repairs windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window repairs stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

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 the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or window repairs an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.