Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet 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 washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, sash Window Repair but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that 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 rehabilitated to provide high 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 to rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and Sash Window Repair apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of 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 reduce the possibility of draughts.