Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing repair-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available 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 may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

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 to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, webnoriter.com with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may 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 could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

double glazing and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.