Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window doctor near me is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window doctor frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to 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 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 replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

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

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to 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 could include the replacement of 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 help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

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 the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk 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 an issue with the sash's rattles. If it's the latter, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.