Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web 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 will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, Sash Window Repair but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window repair near me frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, Sash Window Repair or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable 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 by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. 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 a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, take off 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 position of the sash windows repair). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.