Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazing repairs-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from 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 plastic sheets and 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 many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, window repairs you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling 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 you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is 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 drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure 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 balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window repairs (http://web011.dmonster.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=b0501&wr_id=1520176), or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

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

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.