Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found 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 it could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more 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 draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and window repair push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs 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 can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs 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 recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

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

It can be very concerning when triple or window repair double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.