Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major Window Repairs issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window repairs components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can 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.