Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. 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 sheets of plastic and 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 to make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.

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

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers 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 and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window repairs Dagenham frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of 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 well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and repairs recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and repairs triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.