Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat 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 strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for Sash Window Repair fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window repair near as well to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash window repair the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.