Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

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

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

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 reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function window repairs near me of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could 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 next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.