Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed 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

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. 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 accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry off 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 old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around 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 expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window repair near frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and Sash Window repair improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.