Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window repair near me 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 place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. 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 must be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every 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 can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, window repairs and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.