Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts 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 are stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord 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 consult a professional in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, Sash window repair broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter 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 available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, Sash Window Repair as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, take off 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 that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed window repairs glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve 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 reduce draughts.