Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window repairs stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom 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 often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul, 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 painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window repair near me or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

Double and window repair triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.