Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, window repairs decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, Window Repairs the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

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

A common problem with repairing double glazed windows sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.