Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and 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 online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, timber and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

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

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window repairs near me and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may 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 that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

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