Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered 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. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. It is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and Sash Window Repair top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want 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 an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double glazing window repairs and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.