Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. 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 hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

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

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is 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 rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must 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 pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.