Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane 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 helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window repairs frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and window repairs apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is 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 window repairs even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for window repairs a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.