Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazing window repairs-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most 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, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and sash Window Repair parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining 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 defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip 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 position 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. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying 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 fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.