Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing 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

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and window repairs the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of 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. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair timber windows damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed window repairs windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.