Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window repairs. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need 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 new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed window repairs glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.