Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this at the majority of 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 could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

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

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, Window Repairs so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.