Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

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

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most 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 help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering 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 efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window repairs and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window repairs near me to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any 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 using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve 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 draughts.