Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pane by putting 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 when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging 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 might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window repair near me becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.