Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking 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 will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved 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 paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found 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 jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the local window repair's cord.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution 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 placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, sash Window repair and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides 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 them if they are painted or nailed into place. 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 has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.