Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair double glazing window Double Glazing Windows (Yogaasanas.Science) damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some 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 buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' 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.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, Repair double glazing Windows or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.