Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. 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 built up. 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.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and push 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 option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window repair's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your window repair draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for window Repair many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (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, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order 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 improve sash operation and reduce draughts.