Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. 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 can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or 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' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and 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 sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood 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 examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window replacement (Highly recommended Webpage) that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when double glazing repair and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on 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 sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.