Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not 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 proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required upvc door repairs near me to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a upvc window repairs near me that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

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

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.