Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window repairs stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of 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 with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or Window repair hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over 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 block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood 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 meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on 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 decrease draughts.