Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and Window repairs then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window repairs near me. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling 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 function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and Window Repairs can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment 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 using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs (like this) are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

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

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.