Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways 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 buy at most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or Window Repairs be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing 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. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and window repairs decrease the possibility of draughts.