Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repair-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a Window doctor that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing 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 could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off 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). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window doctor near me, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

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

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.