Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window repairs (Highly recommended Internet site) that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. 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 away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through 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 efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and window repairs so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood 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 check the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double glazing repairs and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.