Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window repair near me becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, 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 way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair near me repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove 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 draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.