Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

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

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition 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.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, window repair as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically 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 they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

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

The first step 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 pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window repairs or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter scenario, Window Repair a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.