Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers 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 costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window repairs tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 been accumulating. Make sure you make use of 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, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove 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). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window repairs near me or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

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