Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, window repairs move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have 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 better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window repairs, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.