Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window repairs near me that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. 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 accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available at most 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 could be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. 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 alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, window repair as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is 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 they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or window repair replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.