Sash window repairs Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

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 wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to Repair My Windows And Doors wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, Repair My Windows And Doors or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or Repair my windows and doors ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.