Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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 off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window repairs near me sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

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

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a real 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 most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.