Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority times.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, 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. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window repair near me frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or 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 an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to 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 could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. 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 to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when double glazed window repairs and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of 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. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.