Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

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

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and Window Repairs set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a 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 jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. 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 the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from 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 very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and window repairs the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

double glazed window repairs and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.