Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, 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 reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window repair stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert 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. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and window Repair tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and Window Repair enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.