Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your 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 can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the upvc door repairs near me and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when double glazing near me and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.