Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazed window repairs-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and Window repair make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed window repairs glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.