Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

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

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used 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 can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not 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 crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

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

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed window repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.