Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. 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. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using 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 are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because 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 you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window repair near me. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is 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 from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off 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" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and 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 indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, 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 be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when double glazed window repairs and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.