Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll 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 liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around 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 have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window repairs near me, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

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

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.