Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.

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

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, door repair but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and door repair - a cool way to improve, any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or Door Repair a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.