Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window Doctor near me stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

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. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. 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 is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and 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 unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip 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). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

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 a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce 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 also reduce draughts.