Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most often.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom 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 effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, contractor and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. 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 frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not 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 could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

double glazed window repairs near me and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, Window Repairs Near Me and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.