Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is 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 partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, sash Window repair carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.