Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, window repairs windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems 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. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold 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 stop the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement 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 by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or window repairs painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are 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 install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

double glazing repairs and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.