Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be 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 seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set 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. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, Sash Window Repair clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or sash Window repair downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window repair near frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your local window repair's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are 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 on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.