Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold 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 it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, seals you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window repairs and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining 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 imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, seals with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, seals which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window repair near me becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.