Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by placing a rope of glazing material 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 in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and window repair lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window repairs near me sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll 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 the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repairs repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.