Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put 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 apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the local window repair, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need 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 can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need 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 should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and window repairs not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.