Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be 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 that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether 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.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through 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. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much 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 sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs, homepage, are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed window repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.