Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to 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 needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish 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 repairs near me. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, replacements staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

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

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of 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 could be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.