Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing (florianflower.com)-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved 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 off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

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. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have 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 spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want 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 great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window doctor sash are needed.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.