Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

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 a professional most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should 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 the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and Window Repair recommend any necessary sash upvc window repairs near me repair work.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.