Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. 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.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window repair.. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and Window Repairs general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, window repairs carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve 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 also reduce the risk of draughts.