Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, Window Repairs wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all 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. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving 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. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window repair near me to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve 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 draughts.