Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, 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 fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, sash window repair broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window glass repair near me becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.