Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, 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, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making 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 found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window Doctor. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window doctor near me and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once 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 in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed upvc repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.