Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam will lay 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

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off 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 insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window repairs near me are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and repaired then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then 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 possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.