Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps 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 beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. 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 built up. Make use of 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, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

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

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and window repairs warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution 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 hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or window repairs by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window repairs near me could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.