Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

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

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in 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 cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each 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 the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

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

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash windows repair's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

repairing double glazed windows and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present, and installation then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease 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 reduce the possibility of draughts.