Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window repair near me or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.