Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower 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 often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making 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 using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window replacement near me frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window replacement near me professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

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

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease 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 the risk of draughts.