Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and window repairman perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your emergency window repair if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair double glazing windows them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own 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 time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

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

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window repairman - peatix.com, to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.