Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by 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 accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

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 contact an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the 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 partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window repair near me becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for window repairs concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.