Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. 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 still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.