Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

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

Take the caulking off of 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. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic 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 aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, window repairs you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all 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. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect 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 are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common window repairs repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.