Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and window repair is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues 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. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can door repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, Window Repair they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

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

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve 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 reduce draughts.