Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window repairs near me that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. 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.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need 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 general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, 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). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and window Repairs then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.