Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

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 require the help of a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, Window Repair lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window repairs that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

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