Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered 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.

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

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window repairs, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give 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 will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.