Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window repairs near me tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. 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 lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need 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 no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into 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 found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term 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 scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting 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 much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with 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 touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.