Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass window repair and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, Sash window repair it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is 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 corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may 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.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.