Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window repairs.

Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

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

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, Window repair can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary 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 side that permit access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window door repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and window Repair removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.