Sash Window door repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with 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 get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting 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 pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, 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 that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.