Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts 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.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

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

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the read more hardware. read more The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut website them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are read more exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be website spotted by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.