Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved 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 accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

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

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority often.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

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

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, Window Repairs so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional 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. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window repairs near me could be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.