Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps 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 times.

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

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the course of 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 push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or window repairs the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and Window Repairs double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of 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 decrease the risk of draughts.