Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, 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, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window repair near me frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and repaired significantly reduce costs.

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 typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.