Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, window doctor such as nuts or washers to balance her window replacement.

Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window 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 a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do 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 at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window doctor (www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk write an article) open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.