Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and window repair keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from 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. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is 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 also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the 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're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repairs 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 the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.