Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, sash Window repair move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair double glazed windows wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary 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", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it is 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 solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.