Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash windows repair, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, Sash Window Repair and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get 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. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

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