Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and window repairs 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 lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or Window Repairs online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed 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, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces 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). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible 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 quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning 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 at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window repairs becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.