Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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's built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

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

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

double glazing near me and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and Window Repairs the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off 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 can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.