Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and Window Repairs Near Me keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window repairs near me without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once 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 the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.