Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair 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 on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or Window repairs in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate 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 window repairs near me windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.