Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help 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.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' life, window repair but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched 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 possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, Window Repair with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove 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 location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more 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 even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time, the bottom rails 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 consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window repairs near me to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.