Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or window Doctor downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.

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 is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that 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 Doctor. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window doctor near me, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. 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 the possibility of draughts.