Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. 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 can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing repairs windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

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