Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. 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.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

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 constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is 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 location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give 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'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows repair begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and sash window repair then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.