Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in 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. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and Sash Window Repair gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the upvc windows repairs completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't 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 in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.