Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a 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 air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and Sash Window Repair the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and Sash Window Repair chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window repair are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that 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 break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.