Sash window doctor Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

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

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

double glazing (why not look here) and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.