Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazing repairs-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 accumulated paint. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the 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 beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

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 a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or window repair the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

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

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.