Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window doctor near me stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window doctor frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is 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 stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window replacement near me becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, window Doctor and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.