Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

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

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

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and Window Repair significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and window repair then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window repairs, too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.