Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for 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 that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and window repair your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, Window Repair making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at 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.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window door repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window door repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.