Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window repair near me 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. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

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

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using 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 can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way 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 the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and window repair cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.