Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help 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 reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs near me-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or broken by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, broken as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.