Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved 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 off any paint that has built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and fitting the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing repairs near me and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.