Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash 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 using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or sash Window repair unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove 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 "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

double glazed window repairs and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, Sash Window Repair carefully removing 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 the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.